Inspiring example

This story is about a student named Derrick who suffers with impulsivity and aggression. He had been in trouble, both in the neighbourhood and in school, many times over. Now in grade 7, he was reaching an age where that trouble could become serious.

To avoid serious trouble, the teacher decided to engage Derrick's classmates.

Goals

Starting point was the question how the community of pupils could help eachother in reaching their goals. This created an opportunity for Derrick to formulate his goal: “My goal is to not get suspended this year.” This created space to discuss how otehr pupils could help him with this goal and in what situations Derrick would get into trouble and how other pupils could help him to avoid these situations.

Together the class decided on a strategy that might help Derrick. Derrick's problem became a shared problem where each could contribute to. Derrick made it through the year without suspension and his friends maybe learned even more. They became mature, empathic leaders who were not afraid to speak out.

Reflective questions after reading the story

• Do you have similar students in your classes and how do you support them right now?
• How could you help your students to become more aware about each other and support each other in their goals?
• How could you involve students more in your everyday problem solving?

Links and materials

Source: Jennifer Katz, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia

Katz, J. & Brownlie, F.(2012). Teaching toDiversity: The Three-Block Model of UniversalDesign for Learning.

https://www.threeblockmodel.com/