Saturday, March 04, 2006
Working Alone...
Dear Guidance Guy,
In my science class, we have to do a project about the development in babies. We have to work with a partner that the teacher assigns. I am working with a boy who doesn't do anything. He just sits around while I do all of the research. I am trying to get him to do some work but he won't do it.
What should I do?
From,
Smart Girl
*****
Dear Smart Girl,
The first thing I would do is let the teacher know exactly what's happening. The kind of project you're talking about is usually broken down in parts, and each partner is supposed to do his or her parts, then let the other partners who what they've done. Is this what's happening with your assignment?
You could ask the teacher for a new partner, but I'm guessing there isn't anyone else available. I'm also guessing part of the assignment is the teacher wants you to learn how to work with another person. So if you go to the teacher be very clear about what you have done and what your partner is supposed to be doing.
Then be ready to talk with both of them about what isn't going well. Your partner may be upset, but you have a right to expect more than what you're getting.
If nothing else happens, you're learning some important stuff about how kids develop. Too bad the other guy isn't learning right along with you.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
In my science class, we have to do a project about the development in babies. We have to work with a partner that the teacher assigns. I am working with a boy who doesn't do anything. He just sits around while I do all of the research. I am trying to get him to do some work but he won't do it.
What should I do?
From,
Smart Girl
*****
Dear Smart Girl,
The first thing I would do is let the teacher know exactly what's happening. The kind of project you're talking about is usually broken down in parts, and each partner is supposed to do his or her parts, then let the other partners who what they've done. Is this what's happening with your assignment?
You could ask the teacher for a new partner, but I'm guessing there isn't anyone else available. I'm also guessing part of the assignment is the teacher wants you to learn how to work with another person. So if you go to the teacher be very clear about what you have done and what your partner is supposed to be doing.
Then be ready to talk with both of them about what isn't going well. Your partner may be upset, but you have a right to expect more than what you're getting.
If nothing else happens, you're learning some important stuff about how kids develop. Too bad the other guy isn't learning right along with you.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
