Goal

Promote cooperation and reduce oppositional responses.

How

When giving instructions, rephrase demands to sound less authoritative and more collaborative. This can include:

• Using “we” language: e.g., “Let’s work on this together.”
• Offering choices: e.g., “Would you like to start with reading or writing?”
• Using neutral statements: e.g. “It’s almost time to pack up and the rest will be homework.”

Context

This strategy is particularly effective for learners who frequently exhibit oppositional behaviors, such as those associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). By adjusting the language used in instructions, educators can minimize power struggles and create a more collaborative learning environment.

Tip

Use collaborative language and tone like “Let’s try this together!” to reduce power struggles and encourage cooperation.

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