Effective Teaching Strategies
- Create an inviting classroom environment where students feel safe to take healthy risks
- Maintain a pleasant, interested tone and be prepared to listen; do not press students for details on family problems or therapy
- Initiate conversation during seat work, upon arriving, leaving or in the hall, as students with depression are not likely to do so
- Encourage students to build a network of support from parents, teachers, and friends
- Find out what motivates the student
- Use advanced organizers when presenting work. Anxiety is reduced when the student knows what is expected of them
- Use motivators, such as contests or extra marks to maintain interest
- Check regularly to ensure class assignments are done
- Use computers
- Use a variety of assessment methods
- Build on academic strengths
- Make accommodations for assignments and exams
- Appropriately recognize completed work. Keep in mind that too much enthusiasm may be frightening
- Encourage positive self-talk
- Teachers and parents can collaborate to ensure continuity and work toward a common goal
- Empower the student; allow flexibility in regards to due dates and general rigidity
- Scaffolding instructions so that students can feel success
- Plan differentiated learning experiences
- Take an interest in student interests (have students take an Interest Inventory)
- Promote participation in activities that hold interest to the student
Alberta Education. Teaching Students with Emotional Disorders and/or Mental Illnesses. Vol. 8. Edmonton: Alberta Learning, 2000. 76-109. 10 vols. Print.