When students flat-out refuse to work, it can feel impossible to stay in control. In this episode, I tackle what you can actually do when encouragement isn’t enough and resistance takes over. Instead of focusing on controlling students, I share the three levers you can control (clear expectations, consistent reinforcement, and meaningful follow-through), plus how to reset your classroom culture when things go off the rails. You’ll also hear my take on maximizing in-class work time, using humor to shift energy, and protecting your own peace while holding students accountable.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode223

Resources Mentioned:

Podcast Episodes about Student Apathy
Culture Mini-Course
Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.
Complete INRS units
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
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Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged By Your Admin or District
Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (and 6 Surprising Results)

223. What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their Work