Group Discussion Case Scenario
Alex has been diagnosed with a learning disability.
He reads at two levels below his age and grade. Although he is a star athlete, he is not very popular with his classmates. He does not cause much trouble in class, but he rarely finishes his work or turns in homework. He seems to have the capacity to do the work, but gets by with C grades.
Mr. Cashman, Alex’s math teacher, spoke to Alex one day about these concerns, to which Alex responded, “I don’t need to work hard. In a few years, I’ll be set because I’m going to be a pro baseball or basketball player.”
Mr. Cashman often lets students work together to finish assignments. During math instruction, Alex works with another student for independent seat-work.
One day, Alex looked at Sports Illustrated for thirteen minutes instead of helping with the assignment. When his partner asked him to lend a hand, Alex said, “Man, I don’t get this stuff. Just help me out.” The student continued working. When Mr. Cashman noticed what was going on, he told Alex to put the magazine away and get working. Alex complied, but five minutes later he got out the magazine again.
On another day, Alex fell asleep and had to be woken up by his partner.
Alex frequently asks to go to the bathroom. Each time Mr. Cashman lets him go.
How could Mr. Cashman help Alex become a more productive student?
Of the different theories and methods that we just discussed, which do you feel would be the best approach to handle this situation to achieve the best results for both Alex and Mr. Cashman?
He reads at two levels below his age and grade. Although he is a star athlete, he is not very popular with his classmates. He does not cause much trouble in class, but he rarely finishes his work or turns in homework. He seems to have the capacity to do the work, but gets by with C grades.
Mr. Cashman, Alex’s math teacher, spoke to Alex one day about these concerns, to which Alex responded, “I don’t need to work hard. In a few years, I’ll be set because I’m going to be a pro baseball or basketball player.”
Mr. Cashman often lets students work together to finish assignments. During math instruction, Alex works with another student for independent seat-work.
One day, Alex looked at Sports Illustrated for thirteen minutes instead of helping with the assignment. When his partner asked him to lend a hand, Alex said, “Man, I don’t get this stuff. Just help me out.” The student continued working. When Mr. Cashman noticed what was going on, he told Alex to put the magazine away and get working. Alex complied, but five minutes later he got out the magazine again.
On another day, Alex fell asleep and had to be woken up by his partner.
Alex frequently asks to go to the bathroom. Each time Mr. Cashman lets him go.
How could Mr. Cashman help Alex become a more productive student?
Of the different theories and methods that we just discussed, which do you feel would be the best approach to handle this situation to achieve the best results for both Alex and Mr. Cashman?