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Problem Of The Month

Problem:
I have a student who takes a very long time getting started with her work. She asks me at least three or four times for more direction and then when I think she “gets” it, she just sits at her desk. I’m worried about how she will do when it comes time to take “the test.” She won’t be able to finish and I know she knows it!

Solution:

  1. Have the student repeat the directions to you once they have been given. Do this one on one to begin with as she may not be as nervous with you if she misses a step.
  2. Before she comes up to you with a question she has to have tried the first part of the task. This way you can help her if she didn’t understand or give her the OK if she is on the right track. The purpose is to get what she has trapped in her mind out in plain sight, on paper.
  3. Tell her to take a deep breath and think of something that she has done before that is similar to this task. She can then create a reference for herself and recognize that she did get it completed.
  4. When in a testing situation, she will need to practice using the clock to her advantage, not as her enemy. She can learn to do ten problems, check the clock, and do ten more. The same is with writing. After each paragraph, check the clock. And she will need to practice to make sure that she doesn’t over-plan before she makes her final copy.