Approach the warning signs of boredom and indifference immediately.
Without a quick counseling, two behaviors may follow. The student may
begin coming to class late, then not coming at all. Most research on dropouts
indicates heavy absence began in elementary school. In addition, once
the student gets behind, he/she often becomes defensive. As the year
progresses, the child may become hostile. Then you will know this student
is in class.
• As a beginning, be aware of the absolute need to give this student a degree
of academic leeway and flexibility. If you don't, experience reveals that the
nonparticipator usually begins to display three attitudes: feeling confined,
comparing school with serving a jail sentence, and showing contempt for
authority.
• Never move away from this student emotionally. Rather, move in and ask,
"Why?" Say, "I don't understand, but I'm going to try," or "You may give up
on yourself, but I'm not going to give up on you."
• Remember that there is usually a deeper problem underlying the surface
behavior. Failure is a cause and so is the fact that this student will do
anything to avoid his/her real problems, whatever they are. That's why the
student says, "Nobody likes me" and "Everybody gives me a hard time."
• There's an aggression in this student's refusal to participate which dares
and challenges. Don't rise to that bait, however, or the war will have been
won by the student.
• Always use acceptance as your strategic action approach. Fortunately,
there's one action this student can't handle-your refusal to reject or
condemn. The student expects both because he/she sees good reasons for
you to disapprove. Your refusal to quit offers the best chance for success.
• First and foremost, establish contact with this student. A close look will
reveal that the nonparticipator has few, if any, meaningful relationships
with other adults.
• In order to heighten the self-concept of the nonparticipator, share with
this student the contribution he/she makes to the learning that goes on in
class. Establish the kind of atmosphere in which the student feels
comfortable in depending on you for help-and giving help as well. The
student must feel the teacher is there to create a climate of mutual
dependence.