ABSTRACT
The “ broken record” technique—repeating the same thing in different ways and staying on message—isn’t new, but is still effective. The teacher The “broken record” technique—repeating the same thing in different ways and staying on message—isn’t new, but is still effective. must refuse to be drawn into battle over whether or not the student has been singled out. Parents may complain that the teacher is expecting more (or less) from their child than from other students or that the teacher is being harder (or easier) on him than other students. The charge of singling kids out (or the converse, not responding to a child’s individual needs) is among the most common complaints parents have. Before dismissing such a complaint as out of hand, it’s a good idea to listen carefully and reflectively to be sure that our response isn’t based on convenience or a need for control.
