CASE STUDY: Dillon Mrs. Herndon reminds the class that they are to work on their

Question

CASE STUDY: Dillon

Mrs. Herndon reminds the class that they are to work on their journals for the first 5 minutes of class, describing what they did yesterday. They will then complete worksheets about prepositions. Unlike other students, Dillon writes for a minute and then stares at the wall, until he notices everyone else is turning in their journals, so he turns his in too. When he gets his preposition worksheets, again he stares at the wall for a few minutes. He writes down one answer, and then puts his head down and closes his eyes. He pencil falls out of his hand and he jerks awake, picks up the pencil and does another problem. Then he sleeps for 10 minutes. He works for about 11 minutes of the 45-minute class period. Ms. Herndon thinks Dillon lacks motivation. She has recommended he repeat 8th grade, or go to an alternative high
school. She moved his desk away from other students to minimize distractions.

              
What other interpretation of Dillon’s behavior might be appropriate? What solutions would be most appropriate for this alternative interpretation?

What could be some of the reasons for Dillon's issues in class? Do you think the teacher was too quick to judge Dillon as having low motivation? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

Dillon an 8th graders from the above case history of a single episode of inattentiveness seems to have a problem with sustained attention and concentration. As nothing in the case study is mentioned about the quality of his answers and language it is possible that the child suffers from a learning disability and shows secondary symptoms such as inattentiveness because of his learning disability condition. Anxiety, family problems or sleeplessness can be other possible interpretations for Dillon's behaviour.

The most important solution to these other interpretations would be first a thorough assessment and investigation by a licensed counselor about his problem. Dividing the assessment into shorter parts with frequent short breaks can be one of the solution for the problems as he doesn't completely lack attention but can't sustain it for a longer period of time.

Yes, the teacher was too quick to judge Dilon's behaviour because as mentioned in the case study this was the first episode of inattentiveness. The teacher needed to first enquire with the child as well as other teachers to find out similar behaviour and the possible reasons for the same. Also assuming that the student lacks motivation is too quick to judge as the student was clearly trying his best to again go back and concentrate on his assignments but as mentioned in the case study clearly couldn't.

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