Submitted by Meredith Harley Inserra, New Bern, North Carolina
Idea posted March 8, 2006
I dread joyless classes. I'd give them an ultimatum: If the only comments they have to make are negative, they can write them down on a sticky note and put them in "the bin" (message board) at the end of class. All negative comments have to be accompanied by a suggestion for future classes. Example: "I hate that awful calypso song. Can we do the song on p. 274 instead?" Tell them you will be happy to read all their suggestions and will carefully consider everything they share. Then, tell them that anyone who breaks the new rule (blurting out negative comments) is welcome to sit in the corner and copy from the glossary instead of joining in with the rest of the class for singing, dancing, videos, games, projects, and instrument playing. Be very matter-of-fact about it. Then pull out all the stops, jump around, and have a great time despite their sour looks. Tell them you're determined to have a good time. They can join you or sit there with their gray clouds hanging over their heads. I find that this kind of group is soured by one or two who spoil it for everyone. Remove those one or two, and the group returns to normal.