“What happens if they don’t do the work?” was asked to me today… and it has me thinking. I wish I was giving my students lots of feedback and custom ideas for their work. But outside of my contract hours, I am developing the systems, resources, routines, and the big-picture for Innovative Arts, all at the same time. So my time at school, on the clock, is devoted to doing the best that I can for my students. I have to be efficient with that time.

So tonight I am devising a new way to give that accountability and feedback during our class time. Maybe I have a few ideas….

Maybe I can structure conversations to bring out the vital behaviors and actions that will help someone be successful in class.

Maybe I can pre-draft expectation sheets to use for students who need to be retaught or reminded.

Maybe an ongoing list of class work will help struggling students to know what is expected and upcoming.

Maybe ChatGPT can make this list longer:

Certainly! Here are some additional suggestions to make the list longer:

1. Implement a peer mentoring program where successful students can support struggling classmates by providing guidance and assistance.
2. Develop a reward system to recognize and encourage positive behaviors and actions in the classroom.
3. Use formative assessments regularly to gauge students’ understanding and identify areas that need further attention.
4. Offer differentiated instruction to cater to diverse learning needs and preferences.
5. Encourage active participation in class discussions and group activities to enhance engagement and learning.
6. Provide timely and constructive feedback on students’ assignments and projects to guide their progress.
7. Collaborate with parents and guardians to create a supportive home environment for students’ academic success.
8. Utilize technology tools and resources to enhance learning experiences, such as educational apps, online simulations, or virtual field trips.
9. Set clear and achievable goals for students, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
10. Promote a growth mindset by emphasizing the importance of effort, perseverance, and continuous improvement.
11. Establish a structured routine or schedule that allows students to manage their time effectively and stay organized.
12. Incorporate real-world examples and connections to make the content more relevant and engaging for students.
13. Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture by promoting respect, empathy, and collaboration among students.
14. Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and set personal goals for improvement.
15. Offer additional resources and support, such as tutoring sessions or study groups, for students who need extra assistance.
16. Encourage students to ask questions, seek clarification, and actively seek help when needed.
17. Teach effective study skills and strategies, such as note-taking techniques, time management, and test preparation methods.
18. Create a supportive and comfortable physical environment in the classroom that enhances concentration and learning.
19. Integrate project-based learning activities that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.
20. Celebrate individual and collective achievements to boost students’ confidence and motivation.

Remember, the effectiveness of these strategies may vary depending on the specific context and needs of your students. Adapt and modify them as necessary to best support their success in class.

Peter here again. That is a lot of ideas in about 8 seconds. My next thoughts:

Peer mentoring is worth a second look.

Students setting a goal might be a useful addition to the conversation structure.

Additional resources can be premade to help us understand things that need to be retaught

I can definitely have students practice seeking additional help and give them the words to say to get it

Maybe the ideas above could make a suite of options that (as it grows) could be used to help individual classes fill the gaps they are missing.

There it is. That’s a great idea.

~ Peter