Set the defiant teen student up for success. This includes assigning her assignments that highlight her interests. If she must give a speech in class, for example, let her perform a speech about her favorite hobby. She will likely take greater interest in her academic success if she can find something about herself to include in your assignments.
Treat him equally. Even if the student has a tendency more than other students to be defiant, treat him as you would any other student. Singling him out for his defiant behavior teaches him that he shouldn't play by the rules. It is important that he get the sense that other students receive the same punishment for commensurate behavior.
Praise the defiant teen student for engaging in proper behavior. If you notice that the defiant student is turning all of her assignments in on time and refraining from interrupting her classmates, let her know that you know. Praising her will help boost her confidence in authority figures as well as her own self-confidence.
Avoid coercive directions and commands that give a defiant teen student little control in complying. If a defiant teen student feels like he has no say in what behavior he engages in, he will likely rebel by increasing his defiant behavior. A student who feels like he has a say in what he does, on the other hand, can take ownership of and responsibility for his behavior.
Reward defiant students for effort. By rewarding them for their effort you show that you recognize their intentions to be better all-around students. You can reward them with bonus grade points, free homework passes or candy.