It's not what you're thinking.

We're just talking about identifying a(n academic) problem and confronting it before it goes into downward-spiral mode.

And, yes, the first step probably will be denial.

With intervention in the classroom, there are pretty much as many strategies as there are teachers, and Intervention Central gives a few pointers that every teacher, regardless of content area, can take to heart. That's right: any class, any subject, and any student. Got students who are struggling academically? These'll help. Someone in danger of backsliding? You got it. Amazing, straight-A student? Well, can't hurt.

Before we go on and on with examples, we'll go ahead and intervene and start you out with the tips.

Shmoop’s Intervention strategy can help your students

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1. Give plenty of feedback.

Feedback is a great way for students to know quickly whether they are on the right track or need to take a different tack. That doesn't mean that all feedback has to be formal, but can be quick verbal cues to help your students know how they're doing.

2. Continually monitor progress.

This one's best buds with giving feedback, and it's a great way to keep a peg on your kids as individuals. It helps you to keep their progress front and center—whether that's academic progress or progress in growing out of some annoying habit that distracts the whole class. (If you haven't had a tapper, we envy you). By continually monitoring, you will know when kids are starting to slip, and that early warning will signal you to throw a life raft before things get critical. (The tapper's back? Man the boats!).

3. Clarify your objectives.

Dats right, you set dem goals. If you have objectives—and better yet, if you tell your kids the objectives you've set for them—that helps focus your mind and your students'. Everyone will know what accomplishments are expected and everyone has the opportunity to jump on board. (Or off, but we already used the life boat in point #2).

4. Direct instruction.

Direct instruction can be seen as a dirty word in creative pedagogy land, but hey, sometimes you don't need to get all fancy. Sometimes you just need to tell a student the definition of a term, or demonstrate a process while they watch. You can use all your creativity once they actually get it—in some cases, it's just plain the most effective tool.

5. Have students rephrase your lesson.

If they can tell you (added bonus! Either verbally or in writing) what you've taught them, then you can reasonably assume they understand what you've done. Extra kudos if they still remember it the next class period.

And guess what? This step links back to our old friend monitoring progress. Lucky lucky.

6. Make sure those kids reflect.

This step may be a bit more difficult if you teach younger youngsters, but middle and high school students certainly can reflect on their learning. You can have them evaluate their own learning and consider how they can improve their own performance. They're usually harder on themselves than you would be. Extra motivation in the bank.

Plus, this strategy can help students gain the critical evaluation skills needed to become better learners.

These strategies aren't guarantees that all will be well for 100% of your students, but they will help you maximize your effectiveness. There are tons more in the links we've provided, and, undoubtedly, you will stumble across your own techniques. What matters is figuring out what makes sense for you and your students—and sticking with it.

Or adapting.

Really, whatever makes sense in your own, unique snowflake of a classroom.

Shmoop’s Intervention strategy can help your students

See how