Written Assignment
Re-read the classroom scenario on the bottom of page 166 in Hue, M. & Li, W (2008). Create a plan of action for Miss Lee thatdescribes how she should deal with this situation. Include strategies and interventions that include communicating with both thestudent and his parents. When discussing strategies and interventions, be sure to explain their educational merit, including anyoutside research that supports them.
Classroom scenario
Miss Lee is the form tutor of a boy, Siu Ming. He is regarded as a bright and
responsible student, but Miss Lee has noticed that lately he has become quiet and
has seemingly lost interest in learning. Whenever he is asked about this, Siu Ming
does not want to say much, and responds listlessly, “I am fine. Maybe I have spent
too much time on computer games at night”, but Miss Lee doubts this explanation.
(Hue, M. & Li, W (2008)page 166)
Considering the situation of the boy who claims to have spent too much time on
computer games at night, we must look at how computer games affect children in
general. Addiction to computer games can be compared to a drug addiction, which
consumes all your free time, attention and even finances, but brings nothing but
fleeting satisfaction, physical and mental exhaustion and wasted time.
Parenting expert caution that the display screen has the same effect on a child's
brain as a drug, as new research shows that parents fear their child is technologically
obsessed. (David Skipwith,Nov 11 2021)
1,200 parents were surveyed nationwide, and 88% said that their primary concern for
children was the use of innovation and the impact of screen time (David Skipwith, Nov 11 2021).
Screen time (50%), games (48%) and social media (21%) are among the most
common causes of addictive behaviour that parents observe in their children(David
Skipwith,Nov 11 2021).
Child development expert Nathan Wallis said the development of a drug-like
dependency on devices among children and the amount of screen time they get can
affect their moods and behaviour (David Skipwith,Nov 11 2021).
“It does the same to the brain as being on drugs, as in you get an instant reward
without having to do anything,” Wallis explained of the endorphin release that
children can get while using a device (David Skipwith,Nov 11 2021).
This proves the need to investigate the student's claim of having a problem with
excessive time spent in front of a computer. All the more reason to be concerned
about the allegation that the student spent the night in front of the screen. This
indicates a lack of sleep and entails poor health in general.
The first step in working with such a student to get him or her back on track will be
to try to recognise that his or her situation is not good enough. Like drug addicts
those who are addicted to computer games too much think they can stop at any
moment. However, when that moment comes, when they should tell themselves to
stop, many people do not think about it. That is why it is better to find out more
information about the game, who is playing it and what progress they have made in
the game. It's also time well spent and quite real successes. A pupil may feel
flattered if their achievements are valued highly.
A second step towards outlining the purpose of this work with the student, namely a return to reality, could be a short interview about the player's future plans. It may well be that the student at this time is participating in some tournament with his friends and that not only his winning the game depends on him and his skill and dexterity, but also on the respect and social support of the people important to him. It can be also clarified how his game plans relate to his school plans. What he thinks about combining his studies and his hobby.
The third and equally important stage of the work is the meeting with parents. You
can't just tell parents that their child is underachieving and attribute their behaviour
to a preoccupation with computer games. The teacher has to be on the child's side
when talking to the parents.
So how should this conversation be structured? Here is an example of an
introductory letter or the beginning of a speech:
“Hello! I recently found out about your son's interest in computer games. He is part of a team of top players, his friends and associates support him and help him in difficult situations. He is really passionate about the process and is looking forward to the final tournament where he is going to win.
But unfortunately, while doing his duty to his comrades, he spends his bedtime at the computer. So he does not have time to rest before the school day, which affects his activity in lessons, his interest in his subjects and his studies.
I am therefore confused. Should I wait for your son's shining victory and his return to
reality in our classes or should I start worrying about his declining performance in
several subjects.”
After this letter, the teacher does not look like a complainer in the eyes of the pupil,
but is finding the boundaries of interaction with the parents so that the child's trust is
not lost. Further development of the situation will now come from the parent's side,
as their reaction will determine the subsequent list of reactions, ranging from
banning the use of gadgets to imposing restrictions on their use within certain limits.
Either way, it is necessary to find a way to balance the fascination for computer
games with the need to learn, so that the experience helps the student as an adult.
References
David Skipwith Children developing drug-like dependency on devices, warns expert
05:00, Nov 11 2021
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/300440377/children-developing-druglike
-dependency-on-devices-warns-expert
Hue, M. & Li, W. (2008). Enhancing communication and strengthening teacher-student relationships. In Classroom management: Creating a positive learning environment. Hong Kong University Press. Ebook Central, pp. 109-128, 149-182