Are you looking for ways to encourage students to complete their class assignments? If so, keep reading.
1. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the student will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., before starting a task.
2. Train the student in thinking through instructions before starting a task.
3. Train the student on ways to lessen distracting learning activities that interfere with their duties (e.g., turn off the TV when it is time to finish tasks, do not let friends come over when it is time to do homework, etc.).
4. Show the student that work not done during work time will have to be done during other times (e.g., break time, leisure time, after school, etc.).
5. Support the student in writing an agreement for themselves designating a time to finish a task and avoid procrastination.
6. Urge the student to reward himself/herself (e.g., a ten-minute break, speak briefly with a relative, telephone a friend, etc.) for concentrating on a task for a specific length of time.
7. Give the student step-by-step written instructions for tasks.
8. Indicate what is to be done for the conclusion of a task (e.g., indicate definite starting and stopping points, indicate the minimum requirements, etc.).
9. Do not give instructions to the student from across the room. Go to the student, get their full attention, and tell them what to do.
10. Praise the student for finishing tasks independently: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, free homework pass, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
11. Let the student perform alternative tasks. As the student shows success, slowly present more components of the regular tasks until those tasks are routinely performed.
12. Get the student to keep a chart/graph representing the number of tasks performed independently.
13. Connect with the student and show interest in their success.
14. Get the student to review and update their task calendar daily. Urge the student to prepare in advance for tasks, due dates, etc.
15. Connect with parents, agencies, or appropriate parties, to tell them about the problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.
16. Minimize distracting stimuli (e.g., place the student in the front row, give a carrel or quiet space away from distractions, etc.). This is to be used as a means of reducing stimuli, not as a form of punishment.
17. Let the student set a timer to finish tasks in a sensible period.
18. Create challenges in tasks to increase interest and motivation (e.g., problem-solving, and creative/critical thinking rather than drill/repetition, etc.).
19. Stress to the student that they are a worthwhile individual.
20. Show tasks in the most exciting manner possible.
21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
