12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students — A Review and Summary
“Teaching without passion, without creativity, and without critical thinking is really not teaching. We cannot reduce all teaching to specific skill sets and activities, without believing our karma as an interested and interesting human being truly makes a significant difference.” (p. 91)
Only twelve keys? That’s what this book suggests. However, the author, Bruce J. Stewart, has provided interested educators with more than just twelve keys. Why is that? Primarily because, the astute and caring teacher looks at each student individually, assesses their needs, their strengths and their weaknesses, and works with that student to achieve the best that he/she possibly can be.
Take, for example, Josh, a difficult student with an attitude that was somewhat prompted by educators berating him for his looks, how he wore his clothes, how he projected himself. When he entered Mr. Stewart’s classroom, he was bound and determined to put yet another teacher to the test. And he did. Mr. Stewart, however, was expecting the test. Instead of responding in kind, this teacher worked around and with this troubled student. As Mr. Stewart explained, “My objective with students whose behaviors needed adjustment was to implement behavior plans for students to change their behavior, rather than to stifle them. Josh, as a result of his errant behavior, had been discarded by many teachers. Providing structure and a relevant curriculum which engaged Josh, allowed him to improve his behavior and contribute to the class in a positive manner.” (p. 74)
12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is a treatise of examples and logical advice and solutions to engage difficult and troubled students, to make them feel that, yes they can do things, learn things and yes, they did have the potential to learn. As Mr. Stewart points out, that is the underlying principle of teaching, to inspire and to teach. This is an excellent resource for teachers and educators everywhere. 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is highly recommended by: Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Allbooks Reviews
A Nook Version of 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is available at Barnes and Noble for $4.99 Click here to purchase from Barnes and Noble.
Free Lesson Plans at Teachers Pay Teachers
A PDF version of 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is available at Teachers Pay Teacher for $4.99.
One of the reasons for writing this book was to celebrate and encourage teachers who make a difference in the lives of the students who need us the most, and to recognize the resiliency and determination of so many students who overcame huge obstacles to realize success.