Understanding Classroom Problems

There’s SomethingWrong With My Class

Three Stepsto Self-Diagnosis

&Treatment

1. Identify the Problem

3. Explore Strategies

2. Identify Possible Reasons

Problem Arenas

Cognitive-Intellectual

Social-Emotional Physical-Environmental

Cognitive-Intellectual

Cognitive-Intellectual

Problem: No discussion participation

Cognitive-IntellectualPossible reasons

Lacking critical background knowledgeNot keeping up with the readingsDidn’t focus on relevant aspects of readings

Cognitive-IntellectualSample Strategies

“Scaffold” reading assignments

Hold them immediately responsible for readings

Provide strategies for reading

Social-Emotional

Physical-Environmental

Cognitive-Intellectual

Social-Emotional

Problem: No discussion participation

Social-EmotionalPossible reasons

Cultures’ values may inhibit participation

No experience in discussions

Social-EmotionalSample Strategies

Define expectations

Outline your goals

Allow students time to think

Social-Emotional

Physical-Environmental

Cognitive-Intellectual

Physical-Environmental

Problem: No discussion participation

Physical-EnvironmentalPossible reasons

Intellectual environment not conducivePhysical environment not conducive

Physical-EnvironmentalSample Strategies

Affirm meaningful contributions

Invite contradictory views

Try different seating arrangement

Cognitive-Intellectual

Social-Emotional Physical-Environmental

1. Identify the Problem

3. Explore Strategies

2. Identify Possible Reasons

My students’ brains

Resources

DiPietro, Michele, et al. (2009). Defeating theDeveloper’s Dilemma: An Online Tool for Individual Consultations. To Improve the Academy, 27, 183-198. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Carnegie Mellon University’s Enhancing EducationWeb page (www.cmu.edu/teaching)

Entelechy Productions (2009)