You have observed and noted the behaviors of one learner in your classroom, who you believe to have a learning disability. You take detailed notes over a designated period of time, with time and date stamps identifying significant performance markers, improvements, or other changes in learning achievement and behaviors. By following this protocol you have conducted _______
spying? a waste of perfectly good time? self deception?
What choices do you have? What are the vocabulary words you have been exposed to in this unit?
a case study?
By following the protocol described, you have conducted a systematic observation and documentation of the learner's behaviors and learning achievement over time. This can be considered a case study or a detailed behavior analysis for the purpose of identifying and understanding a possible learning disability.
To conduct this process, you must:
1. Observe and note behaviors: Pay close attention to the learner's behaviors in the classroom, noting any difficulties, differences, or patterns that may suggest a learning disability. It is important to be objective and record specific details without making assumptions or interpretations.
2. Use time and date stamps: Include time and date stamps in your notes to identify significant events, changes, or achievements that occur over the observation period. This helps to establish a timeline and identify potential triggers or factors influencing the learner's performance.
3. Focus on performance markers: Identify specific markers or indicators of learning achievement, such as improvements, setbacks, consistent patterns, or fluctuations in the learner's abilities. These markers can help you see how the learner is progressing or struggling in different areas.
4. Maintain accuracy and detail: Ensure that your notes are accurate, detailed, and comprehensive. Include observations about academic performance, social interactions, attention span, comprehension, memory, and any other relevant factors that may contribute to the suspected learning disability.
5. Analyze the data: Once you have collected a sufficient amount of observational data, review and analyze it to identify any consistent patterns or significant changes that may indicate the presence of a learning disability. This analysis can help inform further steps, such as seeking professional evaluations or support for the learner.
Remember that this observational protocol is not a formal diagnosis. It is meant to provide supporting evidence or insights into a possible learning disability, which can then be further investigated and assessed by professionals in the field of special education or psychology.