This week, choose one of the following activities, and then write up the answers to the questions and your reflections on the blog as directed below
This week, choose one of the following activities, and then write up the answers to the questions and your reflections on the blog as directed below:
Observe someone with a chronic illness in their natural environment. What are some of the characteristics that you observe? Are they comfortable or in pain? Try to focus in on their language, social communication, behaviors and motor skills. What did you learn by completing this observation?
Watch a movie where one of the characters portrays someone with a chronic illness. What are some of the characteristics that you observe? Give some examples of what you have observed in the following areas: language, social communication, sensory needs, behaviors and motor skills. Did you learn anything new from completing this observation?
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment presents two alternative activities aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of individuals with chronic illnesses through observational learning. The first activity involves direct observation of a person living with a chronic condition in their natural environment, while the second involves analyzing a character portrayal in a film. Both activities emphasize the importance of attentive observation and reflection on the characteristics associated with chronic illnesses, focusing on aspects such as language, social communication, sensory needs, behaviors, motor skills, and the overall emotional state.
Choosing between these activities depends on the student's access to suitable environments and media sources. The direct observation offers real-world insights into how individuals manage daily challenges associated with chronic illnesses. Such observations should be conducted with sensitivity and respect for privacy, focusing on characteristics like their communication patterns, behavioral adaptations, signs of comfort or distress, and motor activities. For example, a person with arthritis may exhibit slowed movements or discomfort during interactions, while someone with a neurological disorder might show specific motor patterns or speech characteristics. Noticing these traits can deepen the student's understanding of the lived experience of chronic illness and how it manifests in daily behaviors.
Alternatively, analyzing a cinematic portrayal allows students to critically evaluate how media represents chronic illness. In watching a movie, students should observe how characters communicate their needs and
limitations, how their sensory processing may be depicted, and what behavioral or motor characteristics are portrayed. For instance, in movies featuring characters with Parkinson's disease, tremors and rigidity may be highlighted, along with speech difficulties. Such observations can also reveal biases or inaccuracies in media portrayals. Through this activity, students may gain insights into societal perceptions of chronic illnesses and possibly challenge stereotypes or misunderstandings. It can also foster empathy by engaging with the emotional and social dimensions depicted in film.
This assignment aims to enhance observational skills coupled with critical thinking about the representation of chronic illnesses. Engaging directly with real individuals or media portrayals helps students develop a nuanced understanding of how chronic conditions affect individuals' physical and social functioning. By reflecting on their observations, students learn to recognize subtle signs of discomfort, adaptive behaviors, and communication styles, which are essential competencies in health-related fields. Furthermore, analyzing portrayals in media broadens perspective on societal attitudes and encourages more compassionate and informed approaches to supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.
References
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