…Thanks
With the technique, …Thanks, you tell students what you would like them to do, and finish with ‘thanks’ (rather than ‘please’). For example: ‘Put pencils down, thanks’.
Why use this technique?
‘Thanks’ is a more assertive word than ‘please’. It can help convey the expectation that something will happen, rather than you’d like it to happen. This can have a positive impact on compliance.
Notes and tips
As well as being assertive, ‘thanks’ helps model good manners and can help soften instructions. For example, compare, ‘Put your pencil down’ with ‘Put your pencil down, thanks.’ The latter is politer and softer, but still assertive.
If you feel the need to use ‘please’, put this at the start of your instruction, and finish with ‘thanks’. For example: ‘Please put your pencil down… thanks.’
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?