In the world of education, the time spent addressing students’ positive behavior versus negative behavior can often feel skewed. Enter the innovative teaching method known as “No-Nonsense Nurturing,” a concept developed to shift the focus away from what students are doing wrong and instead highlight what they are doing right. This approach has found its home at Druid Hills Academy in Charlotte, N.C., where high expectations are paired with minimal praise.
The brain behind this approach, former principal Jenna Marks, now leads the Center for Transformative Teacher Training, an organization based in San Francisco that has collaborated with over 250 schools since its inception in 2009. Marks emphasizes that this strategy isn’t revolutionary; rather, it draws inspiration from the practices of high-performing educators. These teachers maintain high standards by reserving praise for exceptional effort. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, they narrate the correct behaviors for all students to emulate. For instance, a teacher might say, “Your pencil is in your hand. Your voice is on zero. If you got the problem right, you’re following along and checking off the answer. If you got it wrong, you’re erasing and correcting it on your paper.”
This method not only celebrates students who are behaving well but also provides a second chance for those who might have missed the initial instructions. Teachers undergo extensive training to adapt their communication style. For example, one teacher recalls, “I used to say ‘Students, please raise your hand,’ but my coach reminded me to drop ‘please.’ There’s no opt-out; I want them to do it.” This rigorous coaching involves real-time feedback, where instructors discreetly guide teachers as they implement the method. While this can feel overwhelming, educators often find it beneficial, receiving unprecedented feedback that they can directly apply in their classrooms.
Though the practice of narrating correct behaviors may appear monotonous, it serves a purpose: it redirects attention away from negative actions. And rather than showering students with praise for every minor accomplishment, this approach aligns with the real world, where recognition isn’t always given for expected behavior. In fact, research suggests that giving unearned praise can lead to poorer performance in children.
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In summary, the No-Nonsense Nurturing approach reframes the educational landscape by focusing on correct behaviors while minimizing unnecessary praise. By creating an environment where expectations are clear and consistent, teachers can foster a more productive classroom atmosphere.
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