Giving Compass' Take:

• Lauren Barack, in a brief for Education Dive, explains the importance of making an effort to engage difficult students with active learning methods.

• How important is dealing with difficult students in helping teachers connect with the remainder of the class? What other methods can they use to reach students outside of active learning? Are you prepared to support the implementation of active learning methods in schools?

• Learn more about the role of teachers in connecting with students and providing moral support.

Working to build strong connections with even the most difficult students not only boosts learning, but may also decrease disruptive behavior in the classroom, Education Week reports.

One way to forge these stronger connections is by getting to know students beyond what they talk about, or show, in the classroom. Asking them questions about hobbies or weekend activities during recess or even lunch, when they’re not in their seat, may help forge a connection.

If things do escalate with a student during class, educators also suggest walking away for a moment. It can also help if educators ask a student if or how they can help when they see that student is struggling, before things get tense. Finally, educators can examine their own biases to help break through things blocking their ability to connect with some students.

Read the full article about engaging difficult students by Lauren Barack at Education Dive.