18. Engage The Student
While time is important, so is engagement. You don’t have to engage them in an overt way to make things matter. Instead, right a note on their homework or test, or quietly pat them on the shoulder as you walk the room while students are doing work. During group activities, try to match them with a majority of people you know they are comfortable with, but throw in a few they aren’t. This gives them some safety, but also ensures that they are engaging with other students. This will help them slowly overcome their anxiety. Once that is done, the defiant part of them will likely melt away. After all, the anxiety is most likely the reason they become defiant – fight or flight.