Avoidance of Failure

Leave me alone!

Characteristics of Avoidance-of-Failure Behaviors

• Since the student rarely distracts or disrupts the class, it is sometimes difficult to identify.

• The student needs to temporarily withdraw, to regroup thoughts. Becomes a problem when students engage in behavior consistently over time and miss academic and social development.

Classic Passive Examples

• Procrastination• Non-completion• Temporary Incapacity• Assumed Disabilities

Clues for Avoidance

Clue 1: Our gauge moves up and we feel professional concern, frustration, and perhaps despair.

Clue 2: Teachers give up trying and seek the referral process.

Clue 3: When teachers give up, students continue to avoid the task at hand.

Origin of Avoidance

• Fear of the Red Pencil• Unreasonable expectations• Perfectionism and Star Mentality• Emphasis on Competition• Student’s Legitimate Needs

Principles of Prevention

1. Encourage an “I Can” belief.– Make mistakes okay.– Equate mistakes with effort.– Minimize mistakes’ effects.– Focus on improvements.

2. Foster friendships using the 5 A’s.– Acceptance --Accept cultures– Accept disabilities --Accept Personal Style– Accept the doer, not the deed

Affirmation and Appreciation

“ The deepest principle of human nature is craving to be appreciated.”

--William James

Ways to Show Appreciated

• Appreciate the Deed, Not the Doer.• Describe the behavior accurately.• Use three-part appreciation statements.• Focus on the present.• Give written words of appreciation.• Teach students how to ask for appreciation.

Ways to Show Affection

• Inform students that you like them no matter what and they will start to believe it.

• Use handshakes, high fives, and other types of affectionate touches.

The Teacher-Student Conflict Resolution Conference

Resolving conflicts means finding solutions that are acceptable to both the teacher and the student.

Step 1:Define the problem objectively.Step 2: Declare the need.Step 3: Describe the feelings.Step 4: Discuss solutions.Step 5: Decide on a plan.

Conflict Resolution with“Difficult Students”

You might encounter these challenges….• Stonewalling—refusing to negotiate.• Unworkable solutions—students suggest a

solution that you feel is inappropriate.• Verbal disrespect—using words to anger and

frustrate us to stall the conference.• Blaming others—implicating everyone but

themselves.

Developing a Plan toImprove Behaviors

These are the steps to developing a plan….1. Pinpoint and describe the student’s behavior.2. Identify the goals of the misbehavior.3. Choose intervention techniques for the

misbehavior.4. Select encouragement techniques to build self-

esteem.5. Involve students, parents, and other partners.

Involving Students in theDecision-Making Process

1. Hold class meetings on a regular basis.2. Use the Code of Conduct consistently.3. Let students help construct the classroom

rules.4. Establish guidelines for mutual respect and

support.5. Focus on the future.

Let’s Practice:In a small group, practice role playing:

• The avoidant student….• The underachieving student….• The “I can’t do it” student….