Are you looking for strategies to help students to respond appropriately to construction criticism? If so, keep reading.

1. Praise the learner for responding appropriately to constructive criticism based on the number of times the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the number of appropriate responses required for reinforcement.

2. Take the learner away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior or self-control.

3. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., responding properly to constructive criticism) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

4. Connect with the parents(e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for responding appropriately to constructive criticism or remarks at school.

5. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled for the task is sufficient.

6. Show appropriate ways to respond to constructive criticism.

7. Attempt several groupings to ascertain the situation in which the learner is most comfortable.

8. Give the learner positive feedback that indicates they are successful, competent, essential, valuable, etc.

9. Give the learner many chances for social and academic success.

10. Assess the appropriateness of the social situation concerning the learner’s capacity and ability to function successfully.

11. Organize their surroundings in such a way that the teacher is the only one providing constructive criticism. As the learner learns to accept constructive criticism from the teacher, allow input from others.

12. Give constructive criticism in private.

13. Give constructive criticism equally to all members of the class.

14. Give constructive criticism when the learner is most likely to demonstrate an appropriate response.

15. Make sure that positive reinforcement is not inadvertently given for unacceptable responses (e.g., lowering expectations because the learner becomes upset when constructive criticism is delivered).

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.