Author Question: Although Jimmy is generally a good math student, he is having a great deal of trouble with word ... (Read 462 times)

cherise1989 · **on:** Jun 20, 2018

Although Jimmy is generally a good math student, he is having a great deal of trouble with word problems. His teacher, Ms. Marx, wonders how she can best help him. Which theoretical perspective would you recommend that Ms. Marx use as an aid for thinking about how to help Jimmy: a biological, behaviorist, or cognitive-process approach? Justify your answer.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Mr. Walsh is chairing a committee that will be exploring effective ways of addressing the needs of the middle-school students. He wants to present suggestions to the committee of strategies and practices that will enhance the motivation and address the particular needs of students who are in middle school. Discuss specific strategies and practices that will address these developmental needs and enhance student motivation.

What will be an ideal response?

cloudre37 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A cognitive-process approach would be most helpful in this situation because it offers guidance about the specific ways Jimmy might be thinking about word problems. A behavioral approach focuses on observable behaviors rather than on the cognitive processes that might underlie them. A biological perspective is also of little use unless Ms. Marx suspects that Jimmy's problems are related to inherited disabilities or slower-than-average brain maturation.

Answer to Question 2

An integrated curriculum that builds learning in several content areas will provide motivational and meaningful learning. Making assignments that have personal relevance will be motivational. Middle school students will benefit from individual attention of a teacher mentor. This one-to-one relationship will help to keep students connected with someone who demonstrates care for their best interests. Respect for the privacy of the students is essential.