Welcome back to the STEM Classroom Management Blog Series! If you’re just joining us, this series focuses on subtle but frustrating behavior issues that can derail STEM time.
For these next few posts, we’re looking at more subtle behaviors that still impact collaboration, engagement, and progress.
Let’s dive in!
Meet the One-Track Thinker
This student might:
- Get attached to one idea and refuse to consider alternatives
- Dismiss suggestions from teammates
- Repeat the same design even after it fails
- Get frustrated when others don’t follow their vision
Sound familiar?
At first, this behavior might look like confidence or clarity. But over time, it can stall progress, limit creativity, and frustrate teammates who want to try something new.
Why It Matters
STEM learning thrives on iteration, flexibility, and feedback. When a student becomes overly fixated on a single idea, they miss out on:
- Exploring better or more creative solutions
- Learning from others’ perspectives
- Adapting when things don’t work as planned
In group settings, One-Track Thinking can also lead to:
- Teammates feeling unheard or unvalued
- Collaboration turning into compliance
- Reduced group ownership of the final product
So how do we help?
Let’s look at strategies to gently guide One-Track Thinkers toward more flexible, collaborative mindsets—before, during, and after the challenge.
What to Do Before, During & After a STEM Challenge
Here’s how to support students before, during, and after a challenge to help one-track thinkers.
🧩 Before the Challenge: Set the Stage for Flexibility
1. Normalize iteration
Introduce the idea that no one gets it right on the first try. Share real-world examples (like how many versions of the iPhone exist!).
2. Share multiple possible designs
Show 2-3 different solutions to the same problem. Ask: “What do you notice?” This reinforces the idea that there isn’t one correct way.
3. Use design rounds
Structure your challenge to include 2-3 short build cycles instead of one long one. This makes iteration part of the process, not an optional extra.
4. Assign a ‘feedback collector’ role
Have this student gather ideas from each team member. This encourages listening and valuing others’ input.
5. Frame the challenge with open-ended goals
Instead of “build the tallest tower,” try: “build a tower that balances height and strength.” Open goals require diverse ideas.
🛠️ During the Challenge: Promote Flexible Thinking
1. Intervene with questions, not directions
Instead of saying, “Try something different,” ask: “What else might work here?” or “What have your teammates suggested?”
2. Redirect dismissive language
If you hear “That won’t work,” pause and model curiosity:
“Let’s try it and see. Sometimes surprising ideas lead to great solutions.”
3. Encourage small experiments
Ask the team to test two mini-versions of ideas. This shows that exploring alternatives doesn’t mean abandoning their idea completely.
4. Highlight peer contributions
Say:
“I noticed Ella suggested using straws. That could really help with stability.” (This validates others’ voices.)
5. Step in early if needed
If one voice dominates, use group norms or agreements to guide sharing. A quick reminder like, “Let’s make sure everyone has a voice,” can make a big difference.
📘 After the Challenge: Reflect & Rebuild
1. Lead a group reflection
- How many ideas did we try?
- Which ones worked best?
- Which ones surprised you?
2. Use a rubric & discussion to spotlight flexible thinking
Praise students who shifted plans, adjusted to problems, or integrated new ideas. Celebrate the process, not just the product.
3. Debrief team dynamics in the discussion & rubric
Ask: “How did your group decide what to build? Did everyone feel heard? What might we do differently next time?”
4. Encourage reflection on failure
If a design didn’t work, help students see that as valuable information: “What did you learn from what didn’t work?”
5. Create iteration goals
For the next challenge, set goals like: “Try at least two ideas” or “Test your teammate’s suggestion.”
🧠 Final Thought: Confidence Is Great, But Curiosity Moves Us Forward
Students who struggle with flexible thinking often do so because they care. They want to succeed. They believe in their ideas.
Our job isn’t to shut that down, it’s to expand it. To show them that real STEM work means testing, stretching, and growing.
Helping a One-Track Thinker embrace new ideas might take time. But with consistent modeling, gentle nudges, and a culture that celebrates process, they can get there.
And when they do? Their best ideas will only get better.
💡 Want a Free STEM Classroom Management Handbook?
I’m putting together a printable copy of these strategies as well as navigating other tricky STEM behaviors perfect for keeping in your lesson planner or sharing at your next PLC or team meeting. It will be sent to every subscriber on my email list when the series is complete. Sign up below to get on the list.
Looking for More In-Depth Tips?
STEM Rubrics and Post-Build Routines:
✨ Next in the Series…
Next up in the STEM Classroom Management Series 2 is The Overly Competitive Challenger: the student who turns every challenge into a high-stakes competition.
Explore all posts in the STEM Classroom Management Series here.
Pin it. Share it. Save it. You never know when you’ll need just the right strategy for just the right kid.
