Providing a safe environment for students who are selfish, social creatures, can run counter-productively. They can see care as weakness, and they can be very manipulative in their efforts to avoid the hard work of learning. I agree that these are very frequently signs of student insecurity--but, in spite of ideas about building confidence--highlighting consequences and consistency (or consistent successes) would be most valuable. Highlighting successes and gaining broader classroom participation are the keys. These are important strategies that would avoid the problems which result in student manipulation and selfish, work-avoidant behaviors.

 Asking closed questions is fundamentally important for students… >>>