| In one of the sessions with Sofia
(5th grade) we talked about math class and what things makes it hard for
her to stay on task. She stated that it is very hard for her to understand
the teacher, but she doesn't tell him because he wants them to be independent.
He writes the instructions on the board for everyone and he reinforces
those who immediately start working by giving them a ticket. She
says that if she asks then sometimes he responds by saying: "look
at the board, it's all there".
She hesitates to ask again for help so she ends up not doing the activity or exercise correctly. We talked about the consequences of not asking for help and she realized that it is important for her to approach him and explain what is happening. She felt a little anxious and said that she didn't know how to do it. I taught her about the feedback model and we decided to practice it in a role play so she could feel more comfortable. I asked her to think of the things that were important to tell him and then to practice it with me. We first wrote the feedback model in piece of paper so she could remind herself in case she forgets. We practiced three times. The fist time she practiced by reading what she wrote: "Mr. J. when I ask you for help and you tell me to read it again in the board it makes me feel disappointed and I decide not to work anymore". The second time we practiced it without reading it and I responded by asking: "What do you think I can do to help you more?" She then said that she wanted him to explain what he wrote on the board or to explain the math problems to her another time. After she finished practicing, I have her feedback about how she was talking. I asked her to talk louder and look him in the face. So we tried a third time so she can feel sure about it. Each time she appeared to be more comfortable. Practicing the feedback model with role play is a good intervention because it allows the student to rehearse the behavior and become more comfortable. Her self-esteem increases because she feels powerful, knowing that she can do something to change the situation. She decided to try it with the teacher. |
| We met the following week to check
how it went and she said that she was feeling nervous but that she told
him and he explained that sometimes she doesn't pay attention the first
time and that is why he tells her to read it in the board. But she
agreed to help her if she has doubts if he sees that she is paying attention.
We discussed about the importance of being active in approaching teachers
or other adults when we need help and that we can change the situation
if we use the feedback model. We also discussed in what other situations
we can use the feedback model, for example with friends or at home with
her sisters.
Overall, using role play was successful. Rehearsing is part of the learning process and by having a simulated version of real life, we can get better in dealing with problems. |