Some students will have difficulty initiating steps of a task, undertaking specific roles in the group, keeping up with the ‘flow’ of the group or have issues with personality types in the ensemble. Careful preparation describing specific roles and expectations is necessary to maintain group cohesion and meet desired outcomes.
Break tasks into small sections with a clear beginning and end.
Incorporate technology for increased engagement.
Seek feedback from the student and incorporate suggestions into lesson design.
Script specific questions the student may need to ask peers in group work.
Give the student a responsible job (e.g. team captain, score keeping, etc.); consider leadership role.
Provide specific time limits and checklists for students to self-monitor progress.
Allow the student to get a ‘head start’ to encourage a leadership role in groups.
Teach student to repeat or subvocalise directions and instructions.
Offer choice in a variety of presentation styles eg written, oral, dramatic, graphic.
Teach conflict resolution phrases and signals to prevent escalating behaviours.
Issue small amounts of a task and check progress often. Don’t issue extended assignments with long-term due dates.
Catch the student working well and offer explicit praise.
Praise student when he can delay gratification.
Offer specific and immediate praise and feedback.
Allow students to undertake tests and exams under separate supervision to reduce distractions to others.
Follow through with consequences for incomplete work.
Have student in close proximity of teacher.
Structure groups of peers that will work cohesively.
Divert attention with other tasks to change behaviour.
Provide a working area away from other students.
Peer modelling of appropriate behaviour.
Immediate feedback on performance.
Allocate clearly defined roles.
Enlist SLSO or peer support.
Considered preferential seating near teacher or peer role models?
Developed a behaviour plan in consultation with the Learning Support Team?
Displayed rules and expectations on classroom noticeboards?
Established a reward system and method for students to self-monitor progress?
Provided explicit group roles for peer tasks?