In the realm of education, how often do teachers emphasize positive student behavior compared to addressing negative actions? This question has led to the creation of an innovative teaching method termed “No-Nonsense Nurturing.” This technique shifts the focus away from reprimanding students for misbehavior and instead highlights the positive actions of those who are performing well.
At Maplewood Academy in Raleigh, N.C., the emphasis is on maintaining high expectations while minimizing praise. The concept is the brainchild of former principal Tara Jennings, who now leads the Transformative Educators Network, an educational consulting firm based in San Francisco. Since its inception in 2010, the organization has collaborated with over 300 schools nationwide.
Jennings notes that the foundation of this program is rooted in observations of effective teachers. These educators manage to maintain elevated standards by praising only exceptional efforts. Instead of pointing out what students are doing incorrectly, the focus is redirected to what they should be doing right. For instance, instead of saying a student is making an error, a teacher might articulate the desired behaviors: “Your pencil is in your hand. Your voice is at a complete silence. If you answered correctly, you’re checking off your answer. If not, you’re erasing and correcting it.”
Jennings emphasizes that this method promotes recognition of students who are exhibiting positive behavior, creating a ripple effect of motivation. It also provides additional clarity for those who may not have fully grasped the instructions the first time.
Teachers undergo extensive training, lasting several weeks, to adapt their communication styles. One teacher, Laura Bennett, recalls her training: “I would say, ‘Students, please, raise your hand if you…’” Her mentor cuts in, saying, “Remove ‘please.’ You want compliance; there’s no negotiable option.” During the training, educators receive direct feedback as they implement the strategy in their classrooms, with coaches providing guidance through earpieces. While this can be quite intense, teachers agree that the feedback is invaluable, enabling them to refine their approach.
While narrating proper behaviors may appear monotonous, it effectively diverts attention from negative actions. Should students receive accolades for every minor correct action? As noted by Parenting Today, excessive praise, particularly when unwarranted, has been associated with decreased performance in children. Reinforcing appropriate behavior without overindulgence in praise prepares students for the realities of life, where recognition for simply meeting expectations is rare.
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In summary, the ‘No-Nonsense’ classroom approach emphasizes high expectations, minimizes praise, and focuses on positive behaviors, ultimately creating a more effective learning environment.