WHEN BEST TO REMIND STUDENTS

VISIT just about any classroom and you’re likely to hear one of these statements: to complete the task given”;

submit on the date agreed”; or,

talking when I’m talking.” Some educators and parents are against reminders, saying they may not be effective.

Does reminding improve one’s behaviour?

It depends on how reminders are used. When given in a certain way and at certain times, they can be effective.

Unfortunately, it’s rare to hear reminders being given in a way that improves behaviour. Most often, reminders make things worse.

The good news is that it’s easy to know whether you’re using them correctly.

In the case of assigning homework, this serves various educational needs. It serves as an intellectual discipline, establishes study habits and eases time constraints on the amount of curricular material that can be covered in class, as well as supplements and reinforces work done in school.

It also fosters student initiative, independence and responsibility, and brings home and school closer.

It’s normal to ask your students to do the work or assignment after lessons. And, of course, you need to remind them.

Giving reminders before students misbehave is better than giving them after an incident has occurred.

Reminding students after they misbehave is like giving a chance for it to happen; and you may seem inconsistent.

You are trying to make your students trust you by showing you are flexible and, thus, things will suffer.

In the long run, inconsistency and a lack of accountability lead to frequent and severe misbehaviours.

If you have reminded your students about a previously taught rule, policy or procedure before giving the signal to transition to a new activity, it will ease their impulsivity.

It prompts self-awareness and causes them to focus on following your direction or fulfilling your goal, especially when they know that you’re watching and that you always do what you say.

Early reminders are best given to the entire class rather than to just one student. This way, you’re not singling out students. You’re not branding anyone.

Reminding everyone removes the excuses and helps ensure their performance remains sharp and purposeful.

Reminders given to the entire class before misconduct occurs can be used as often as needed. Reminders given when you first notice misconduct or thereafter, however, are a no-no.