Disorganized Student




	ESE502 : The Class : Discipline : Techniques : Disorganized Student

Disorganized Student

Technique:
The natural ability to organize may be partly a function of individual personality traits. Youth who do not have a natural grace for stewardship or organization can be taught basic skills and components. The teacher, as part of preventive discipline, can cue students about times to order desks, prepare for the bell to ring or write down homework in a day book. Middle school students may have a difficult time since brain imaging suggests that the higher order centers of the early adolescent brain are in process of change.
Procedures:

Teach organizational thinking and habit patterns (Covey, 1989).
1. Be proactive in thinking patterns.
2. Begin with the end in mind.
3. Put first things first - interpersonal leadership.
4. Think win/win.
5. Try first to understand,then to be understood - empathic communications.
6. Synergize - creative cooperation.
7. Sharpen the saw - balanced self-renewal (play).
Teach the systematic use of a day book or log
1. Assignments and due dates.
2. Teach note taking.
3. Set a time each day for organization & assisting with its acquisition.
4. Model organization in teaching and personal classroom materials.
5. Teach use of portfolio assessment and review periodically.
Provide organization formats for assignments. Examples follow:
1. Time log
2. Mind mapping and note taking (outlining)
3. Writing a solid paragraph
4. Writing a story
5. Research process
Teach self evaluation skills. Examples follow:
1. Self regulated learning
2. Evaluation of writing
3. Participation - theme evaluation

Resource for teachers:

Covey, S. R. (1989) The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Resource for students:

Mannix, D. (1989). Be a better student. New York: Center for applied research in education.

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E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu