Impulsive Behavior

30.11.2011
Presenter: Pınar Başar
Moderator: Aylin Geron

Pınar has a 7th grade student who does not take notes. She tries to do her best to make him concentrate on the lesson but she feels she spends too much time on him and, this is taking time away from other students. The parent is aware of the situation and tries to check whether he is doing well both in the class and at home. Pınar informs the parent every week, but no avail. The questions we asked Pınar in our session:
Does the student have to take notes?
Do you always stay next to him to check whether he is taking notes or not?
Has the student got similar problems in other subjects?
Is the counseling Department aware of the situation?
When do you think we can let the student take his own responsibility?
Do we always have to accept responsibility for the students’ actions?
Do you think both you and the student are being stubborn?
Is it a kind of battle of powers?
Have you ever tried not to check him and leave him alone?
Derya told us about the student because she has known him for years.
We discussed without Pınar interrupting.
Some students can be successful without taking notes.
A seventh grade student should be able to take responsibility for his actions.
A teacher is also responsible for the other students in the class and shouldn’t spend all her time with one student.
Students shouldn’t be spoon-fed.
If a student doesn’t take notes or doesn’t listen in the class, he should accept the consequences such as not having a good mark. This way he can learn to concentrate on the lessons.
Pınar drew some conclusions:
She said she will try to give the responsibility to the student but she will do it step by step. She thinks it is not proper to change all of a sudden. She may also tell the student that he will be on his own from now on. However, she feels she needs time to decide.