PROFILES OF PUPIL LEARNING
Pupil 1 - "Eric" - Grade 8
Eric is a sensitive young man who becomes distracted easily and avoids doing any work that he is struggling with. He has a problem listening and focusing and avoids his work to avoid making mistakes because he does not understand. He becomes extremely distracted when learning and interrupts the class with talking and laughing. However, despite his behaviours, he gets along with his peers and the teacher. Eric has problems with organization, time management, math and science.
The most effective means of teaching Eric involves visual, auditory or hands-on learning. He is very successful when writing problems on a large paper and working out a problem on the board. This helps him visualize the question and imprint it in his mind if he remains organized. Lessons that incorporate exercise sheets that need to be filled in may help him stay involved in the classroom activities. Tape-recording the lessons may help the student go back and recall what he has heard. Verbal tests might be helpful during break time or having 1-on-1 sessions with an assistant or teacher.
I had a chance to work with Eric in a 1-on-1 session with him during a break and he struggled with the questions (see below for material), but after reviewing them in multiple ways over and over again, he answered the question correctly. He was very happy with himself.
The most effective means of teaching Eric involves visual, auditory or hands-on learning. He is very successful when writing problems on a large paper and working out a problem on the board. This helps him visualize the question and imprint it in his mind if he remains organized. Lessons that incorporate exercise sheets that need to be filled in may help him stay involved in the classroom activities. Tape-recording the lessons may help the student go back and recall what he has heard. Verbal tests might be helpful during break time or having 1-on-1 sessions with an assistant or teacher.
I had a chance to work with Eric in a 1-on-1 session with him during a break and he struggled with the questions (see below for material), but after reviewing them in multiple ways over and over again, he answered the question correctly. He was very happy with himself.
Pupil 2 - "Yanal" - Grade 8
Yanal works very hard, but sits alone in the back of the class. He does not like to speak in public and when he does he is very quiet. He has difficulty understanding concepts unless working with his hands or moving around. During class discussions, Yanal is very shy and does not contribute to the discussion. He is anti-social during class lessons, in-class exercises and lunch time. He becomes distracted very easily, e.g., by a classmate making a noise or talking during the lesson. He needs positive reinforcement due to anti-social tendencies and self-esteem issues. More time is needed to help him learn about the concepts (not understanding) by a teacher or assistant.
I had a chance to observe Yanal in a classroom setting during an in-class exercise where students were expected to solve mathematical equations on the board. He struggled with the questions (see below for material) and did not contribute to solving the problem.
I had a chance to observe Yanal in a classroom setting during an in-class exercise where students were expected to solve mathematical equations on the board. He struggled with the questions (see below for material) and did not contribute to solving the problem.
Pupil 3 - "Michael" - Grade 8
Michael is shy about answering in class but very smart when he eventually answers. He enjoys using his computer for tasks and becomes distracted very easily but still listens well when asked a question. He rarely interacts with peers, even during lunch hour. Michael enjoys school but is non-social with limited involvement in group discussions.
Positive reinforcement is recommended for possible self-esteem issues (walks with his head down). Group work is not suited to his learning style. Paper tests can be useful to indicate his success in the topic (such as exit slips).
I had a chance to observe Michael in a classroom setting during an in-class exercise where students were expected to solve mathematical equations on the board. During this group work, he corrected one of his classmates about a mathematical answer.
Positive reinforcement is recommended for possible self-esteem issues (walks with his head down). Group work is not suited to his learning style. Paper tests can be useful to indicate his success in the topic (such as exit slips).
I had a chance to observe Michael in a classroom setting during an in-class exercise where students were expected to solve mathematical equations on the board. During this group work, he corrected one of his classmates about a mathematical answer.