Appeal to Self-Interest

Appeal to Self-Interest

It’s not uncommon for a student to question one of your rules rather than his or her misbehaviour. That’s because nobody likes to admit openly that he or she is wrong. When such is the case, you’ll get through to a student more quickly if you speak to the student’s agenda. To do so, determine how your corrective efforts affect the student’s self-interest. Remember, students want to be successful. They often want more autonomy and freedom. Therefore, remind students that their behaviour will interfere with their getting more of what they want, and you’ll find them less resistant. After all, violating rules will actually give them less autonomy and less freedom.