Case
Frustrated ELL

I just recently started working with a pre-production ELL student (we'll call him Jake). He was teamed up with another student (we'll call him Matt) to work on building a bridge for a STEM project. My CT thought the two boys would make a good pair because usually, they hang out at recess and lunch. My CT thought that they would be able to communicate well enough to complete the project (lots of visuals were provided and it is a very hands-on project). Trouble is, Matt got very bossy towards Jake. I explained to Matt that Jake had ideas and wanted to participate, too, and that they were to work together. A few minutes later, Jake was in tears. He was continuing to do all that Matt told him to, but through a tear streaked face. What would you do in this situation? How would you fix this?

Posted on: 02/22/18 | Views: 652
Solution #1
Top Solution
I think it would be a good idea to either add a third person to this team, change the teams or take some time to work with these boys. you could also assign them individual responsibilities for the project. Perhaps one draws a plan and another gathers the supplies. Then one can build the base while the other finishes the expanse. It sounds as if Matt is mistaking Jake's silence for not understanding the project and in turn taking control of it. He needs to see that this is not the case and Jake has a great deal to add to the project too.

This is the best solution. I think adding a third person would be beneficial.

Great job providing multiple solutions. Every student plays a part, and needs to feel comfortable.

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Solution #2
For an ELL, while it is a good idea for the students to be paired together, I think that its best for the teacher to make sure the student has a sense of understanding what's expected by using pictures in instruction, using simplified language so the directions are easier for the student to understand. Depending solely on another student is a lot of added pressure, and I'm sure that's why he became frustrated and bossy.

I like this solution. It's possible Jake just doesn't understand the instructions or he doesn't have a picture in his head of how the assignment is supposed to go.

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Solution #3
Many times friendship does not mean that they are going to work together in a project. This is the case with Matt and Jake, so pair them with different classmates. Pair Matt with someone bossy as he is, so both can manage working together.Talk to both after the situation, so they can both share their feelings, as a teacher you do not want friendship to finish, so if there is a need to say "I am sorry" just the two alone will be a good time.
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Solution #4
Try assigning them individual responsibilities for the project.
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Solution #5
I think either adding another person to the group or splitting up the two boys would be the best solutions. However I when making the decision I would both talk to the boys individually as well as together so there is any fighting or resentment afterwards. They need to be part of the decision to know what they are going through.
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Solution #6
I would explain,ain to both of them that they both are allowed to and in some way finish the project. I would discuss the problem with them, explain how the project and project type works, and at the end of class or the next day to see if they have moved into a positive manner of bridging toward the project.
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Solution #7
I know that your CT thought that these boys would work well together, but they are obviously struggling together. I would talk to Matt and let him know that if he does not let Jake participate then he would have to work alone. If this behavior continued then I would move Jake to a different group and let Matt work alone because obviously, he is having a power struggle. I would also try to make up rules for Matt when working in pairs or a group.
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Solution #8
If the boy was in tears I would stop the group from proceeding and break the pair up. I would reevaluate the situation and may even work with Jake myself to help him get through the exercise in hopes of learning something from it. When he is stressed and worked up, his affective filter is too high and no learning occurs. Jake needs to be calmed down and never in a group with Matt again.

Yeah, I think splitting the boys up and calming down Jake so his affective filter is not so high that he cant learn is a good approach.

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