Article Response Assignment: Tackling Negative Thinking in the Classroom
EDUC306: Scholarly Writing and APA for Teachers
Professor Jessica Holcomb
Joanna Lockard
October 21, 2025
Table of Contents
Summary.....................................................................................................................................................1
Analysis.......................................................................................................................................................2
Application..................................................................................................................................................2
Bibliography................................................................................................................................................3
1
Article Response: Tackling Negative Thoughts in the Classroom
Summary
The article ‘Tackling Negative Thinking in the Classroom’ discusses the overall negative
feelings of students in the classroom and how to combat those issues as the teacher. Students
struggle with negative feelings, wherever those negative feelings stem from. In the article, it is
discussed that students sometimes lack engagement in a lesson due to their negative feelings, it
even says, “Negative and inaccurate thoughts and perceptions are a huge culprit in why the
student can’t engage.” (Minahan, 2023) There are also examples of ways to combat these
negative thoughts from students throughout the article, including encouraging support,
providing doable assignments, and being proactive in assignments. Students are developed by
their teacher, and the negative thinking of students can be redirected into positive thinking by
the teacher in the classroom.
Analysis
Students can be encouraged to think more positively in many different ways. In
situations where it can be accepted, students should be encouraged to read into their Bible. The
word of God tells you to think highly of yourself and to be thoughtful of the Lord in all that you
do. This can be seen in several verses across the Bible, including Joshua 1:9, “Have I not
commanded you? Be strong and courageous,” and Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me” (BibleGateway, 2025). These verses from scripture encourage the
student to lean on the Lord for strength because he is always there to strengthen. Holding onto
faith that the
Lord will see through all difficulties, even if that difficulty is a school assignment.
2
Application
Following the suggestions in the article, redirecting a student's negative thinking can be
beneficial for the student. With the support of other teachers and parents, a student’s negative
thinking can be turned into positive thinking. When the teacher utilizes the suggestions that the
article gives for negative thought redirection, the student should be able to succeed in thinking
more positively. Simple suggestions such as encouraging the student and giving realistic
instructions for assignments, give the students the confidence to think more positively and to
feel more capable of completing the assignment. These suggestions, along with teaching the
students to lean on the word of God, when acceptable, reinforce to the student the impact of
positive thinking about themselves. In the correct setting, encouraging the student to be more
positive in their skills can be brought in conversation with 1 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God
gave us does not maje us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (BibleGateway,
2025) The reinforcement of positive thinking benefits not just the student, but also the teacher
and the classroom environment as a whole. Negative thinking is simply the enemy attacking
students, and students should be encouraged to think positively and think biblically when
appropriate to encourage such things.
Bibliography
BibleGateway. (2025). BibleGateway. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150
versions and 50 languages. https://www.biblegateway.com/
Minahan, J. (2023). TACKLING NEGATIVE THINKING IN THE CLASSROOM. EBSCOHost.
https://research.ebsco.com/c/r3w5i4/search/details/ypioec25vv?db=ehh
