1. Power-Seeking Behaviors
Go ahead!
Make me!

2. Characteristics of Power-Seekers
Power-seeking students constantly challenge their teachers.
These students like to be in charge.
They disregard directions or use colorful language as a challenge to our authority.

3. 2 Types of Power-Seekers
Active Passive

4. Active Power-Seeks
Tantrums are the most obvious form of power-seeking behaviors for youngsters. Older students tend to throw verbal tantrums, often termed “sass”.

5. Strategy for Active Power-seekers
Tantrums require an audience. Walk away and remove the class.
When given “sass”, do not join in to the power struggle.

6. Passive Power-Seekers
Quiet Noncompliance
Hiding Behind a Label
(learned helplessness)
3. The Lazy Label
The Forgetful Label
The Short Attention-Span Label
6. The Underachieving Label

7. Characteristics of Power-Seekers
Power Clue 1: Their behavior makes us feel angry, frustrated, and perhaps fearful that you will loose control of the class. Power Clue 2: You feel like “fighting back with words”. Power Clue 3: Power behaviors are longer lasting…and more difficult to change.

8. Prevention is the key! Allow voice and choice—to many, having
their say is as important as having their way.
Grant legitimate power.—using the
hands-joined management style.
Delegate responsibility– give
constructive ways to use power.

9. Let’s Put It Into Practice!
In a small group, practice the skills
you learned in this module. Take turns
being the teacher.
-- passive laziness
--disability excuses
--attention excuses
--prevention strategies