Module 5 – Mentoring Guidance

Jessica Jung

April 8, 2019

I would ask Quentina if she had done a 1-1 discussion with the student to get more information
from him on a personal level. Perhaps if she did an interest inventory to determine what his
interests are she could incorporate that into his work. I would also recommend a math
interview (such as a math running record) to get an idea of his thinking about math is. If he is a
new student he may be having a hard time transitioning and a simple discussion might help her
determine what he is struggling with.

She should also determine what his understanding of a certain procedure is. The reading from
Van de Walle mentioned that not all math procedures are universal so not everyone completes
math problems in the same way. Perhaps he was taught a different way. If that is the case he
could share that with the other students in his class to let them know that there is more than
one way to work out a math problem. That would give him some confidence and help the other
students out as well.

I would suggest that she find alternate ways for him to show his work. If communication is his
issue maybe it would be easier for the student to respond in a think aloud or drawing rather
than writing the answer. In our school students use a program called See Saw to take pictures
of work and record their voice in the iPad for teachers to view and share with families.

I would also encourage her to find games that will help the student practice the skills. Games
can also be a fun way to make a school/home connection. She could teach him the game at
school then send it home for him to play with family for additional support. He would be
learning and having fun at the same time. Making the home-school connection will help parents
be more aware of what is happening in class and help them support their child at home.