Connections in Classrooms Challenge Step Three

Please read the following paragraph about Daniel:

Though it has not been formally diagnosed, Daniel has Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neuro-developmental condition that leaves him prone to acting without apparent thought for the consequences of his behaviour. Such ‘thoughtless actions’ are also known as ‘impulsivity’. Daniel’s condition is likely to be genetic in origin. His father apparently also struggled at school and was labelled as ‘hyperactive’ and a ‘slow learner’. Daniel’s impulsive acts frequently get him into trouble, and his difficulty sustaining concentration for long periods means that over successive years he has fallen further and further behind his same-aged peers in his learning. In combination, these factors have led to Daniel thinking of himself as unlikeable and stupid. Daniel over-compensates for his feelings of inadequacy through inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour. When a peer rejects him, he is vulnerable to over-reacting in anger.

Now that you know a little more about Daniel, please write down a second time how likely you would be to manage Daniel’s disruptive classroom behaviour in each of the ways described below.

Warn Daniel that if his behaviour continues he will be removed from the classroom:

  1. ……………………………….. Extremely Unlikely
  2. ……………………………….. Very Unlikely
  3. ……………………………….. Unlikely
  4. ……………………………….. Neither
  5. ……………………………….. Likely
  6. ……………………………….. Very Likely
  7. ……………………………….. Extremely Likely

Warn Daniel that if his behaviour continues he will be sent to the principal:

  1. ……………………………….. Extremely Unlikely
  2. ……………………………….. Very Unlikely
  3. ……………………………….. Unlikely
  4. ……………………………….. Neither
  5. ……………………………….. Likely
  6. ……………………………….. Very Likely
  7. ……………………………….. Extremely Likely

Take Daniel aside and have a conversation with him about what you think is the reason for his behaviour and how he can focus better in class:

  1. ……………………………….. Extremely Unlikely
  2. ……………………………….. Very Unlikely
  3. ……………………………….. Unlikely
  4. ……………………………….. Neither
  5. ……………………………….. Likely
  6. ……………………………….. Very Likely
  7. ……………………………….. Extremely Likely

Now, click here for more.