The context of the following conversation is Since they felt threatened by the group of new students, Bailey used trickery to control them.:
Bailey says The new kids in my class have settled down!.
The friend responds How did you get them to stop acting out?.
Bailey responds I just tricked them into thinking that I give them less material to study if they are doing well..
The friend responds ANd it works?.
Bailey responds Yes, if they work harder at lessons, there is less material for them to take home to learn ..