3 answers
Sofia
Student
Lombard, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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How do you engage a student who does not want to learn?
I am majoring in elementary education and have had experience observing in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms. What are some of the most effective ways to teach students who deliberately refuse to participate and engage in class?
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3 answers
Deborah Meenan
School counselor, middle school teacher
5
Answers
Rockaway Township, NJ
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Hi Sofia,
Start by researching the student. Check what their previous teacher said or look at last year's report card for comments on their strengths and struggles. Notice if they only don't participate in ELA or all day. Consider if the class behavior needs strict seating.
Once you have this info, you might have your own strategies, but here are a few ideas. Have students decorate popsicle sticks with their names. Use these sticks to randomly select someone to answer or read during class activities. You can also ask questions to small groups and have the student with the closest birthday or the oldest be the spokesperson. Try using "talking pencils" where students raise their pencils instead of hands to participate. Turn participation into a game, as kids love to play!
Good luck!
Debbie
Start by researching the student. Check what their previous teacher said or look at last year's report card for comments on their strengths and struggles. Notice if they only don't participate in ELA or all day. Consider if the class behavior needs strict seating.
Once you have this info, you might have your own strategies, but here are a few ideas. Have students decorate popsicle sticks with their names. Use these sticks to randomly select someone to answer or read during class activities. You can also ask questions to small groups and have the student with the closest birthday or the oldest be the spokesperson. Try using "talking pencils" where students raise their pencils instead of hands to participate. Turn participation into a game, as kids love to play!
Good luck!
Debbie
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
161
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Deborah's and Wong's answers are very good and I would start with that.
And you have observed classes "in action", but I am not getting the idea that you picked up any techniques that the teachers used?
At any rate, the only thing that I can add, from my experiences in assorted classrooms, though not at an elementary level, and my daughter's experiences in elementary schools in England, Finland and in the United States is that most classes have a "character" that the students tend to establish and therefore the students many times can influence those students not participating to become a part of the class and perform accordingly.
And you have observed classes "in action", but I am not getting the idea that you picked up any techniques that the teachers used?
At any rate, the only thing that I can add, from my experiences in assorted classrooms, though not at an elementary level, and my daughter's experiences in elementary schools in England, Finland and in the United States is that most classes have a "character" that the students tend to establish and therefore the students many times can influence those students not participating to become a part of the class and perform accordingly.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
I worked as a school teacher before becoming a lecturer, and that experience taught me a lot about how different students learn. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding ways to motivate students who didn't want to learn or participate in class. Sometimes, things outside of school affect their attitude. The best way to help these students is to build a good relationship with them, make learning fun and meaningful, and show them that they are capable of doing well.
The first and most important step is building a connection with each student. When students feel that their teacher truly cares about them, they are more likely to engage and try their best.
Another effective approach is making lessons meaningful and fun. Children are naturally curious, but they need to see how what they're learning connects to real life. For example, if a student loves sports, I might use sports examples in math problems.
I've also found that positive reinforcement and giving students choices can make a big difference. Instead of focusing only on grades, I praise effort and progress.
Patience and consistency are also important. Some students take longer to build confidence or motivation, so it's important to stay calm, supportive, and persistent. Even small improvements should be celebrated.
In short, my experience as a teacher has shown me that every child can learn when given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities.
The first and most important step is building a connection with each student. When students feel that their teacher truly cares about them, they are more likely to engage and try their best.
Another effective approach is making lessons meaningful and fun. Children are naturally curious, but they need to see how what they're learning connects to real life. For example, if a student loves sports, I might use sports examples in math problems.
I've also found that positive reinforcement and giving students choices can make a big difference. Instead of focusing only on grades, I praise effort and progress.
Patience and consistency are also important. Some students take longer to build confidence or motivation, so it's important to stay calm, supportive, and persistent. Even small improvements should be celebrated.
In short, my experience as a teacher has shown me that every child can learn when given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities.