Post #2 - Learner Analysis

I've decided to do my single learner analysis on Patrick Star from Spongebob Squarepants.  I loved this show growing up, and remember this epidose extremely well.  In this episode Patrick Star and Spongebob Squarepants go to boating school.  For Patrick this is the first time he has ever been to school, and is referred to as the new student of the class.  His best friend Spongebob is why he had decided to go to school that day.  Patrick seems to struggle at understanding the concept of "school," whereas his friend Spongebob excels which can be seen by all his good noodle stars.  Patrick Star is an independent that some how gets by without working, without going to school, basically his only hobbies in life are bugging Spongebob, catching jellyfish, and eating krabby Patties.  He lives under a rock, but just because he lives under a rock doesn't mean he has a lower SES status.  Actually, in one of the episodes it shows Spongebob going into his home (under the rock) and it is clearly obvious that Patrick is a fancy liver with nice furniture and organized living rooms.  Patrick does everything but engage himself in the classroom.  The only thing he excels in is distracting Spongebob and others from the lesson and getting Spongebob in trouble.  Patrick gets Spongebob in so much trouble that Spongebob gets sent to the back of the room and even gets a good noodle star taken off the board.

Patrick seems to figure out how to be a good noodle by working with Spongebob to save the egg in the incubator.  Patrick uses his senses to find a light to use to warm up the incubator.  Patrick does an excellent job critically thinking about where to find a light bulb.  Although he puts much thought in to getting the light bulb that is already being used in a socket, and misses the fact that he had to climb up a pile of un used light bulbs, he stills gets the bulb and saves the egg.  

Since Patrick is a cartoon character I don't think he would ever be in my class...Kidding!  If Patrick were to be in my classroom I would put a lot of emphasis in separating Patrick from the rest of his friends in the class so that he could focus on the task at hand.  I don't know that technology would be the best choice for Patrick to use.  This episode clearly shows that Patrick can't handle being in a classroom with other students and definitely wouldn't be able to be use technology for that matter.  If anything, I think Patrick would need more hands on or one on one attention by an aid.  I could video tape certain lessons and assignments for Patrick to watch at home and complete, then have him bring his completed work back to class.  Unfortunately, Patrick dropped out of school the first day he started.....so there would be no chance at improving his skills in the classroom.

Patrick may have express his knowledge with teamwork, but he fails to prove himself in the classroom.  He has much to improve on, including his responsibilities, work ethic, attitude towards education and learning, as well as his ability to give his teachers and others the right attention.  I don't think Patrick is ready for college and has much to learn.

Video of Patrick's first day of school