ASCD Arias Publication

When students’ fears, stresses and frustrations creep into the classroom and disrupt the learning process, how can you respond in a positive way that results in better relationships and higher levels of motivation and achievement? Renate Caine and Carol McClintic draw on their decades of teaching experience and propose the APA method:

• Acknowledge. Help the Student accept the situation, including their own reaction.
• Process. Help the student clarify what is actually taking place. Then, mutually come up with an action plan for moving forward.
• Act. Help the student implement the action plan.

This approach pulls back the curtain on emotional flare-ups and not only encourages students to recognise emotions in themselves and others but also motivates them to implement proactive solutions – rather than let negative emotions sabotage their academic goals. Caine and McClintic also include several year level-appropriate classroom scenarios and relevant strategies that will result in more peaceful, respectful and productive learning environments. 

Handling Student Frustration is part of the ASCD Arias series of publications providing concise answers to challenging questions in a convenient format that you can read in one sitting and immediately put into practice. Arias books are the next-generation, immediate-need resources for everyone committed to the success of each learner.