Autism in Lockdown by Temple Grandin

Author:Temple Grandin [Chuck]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Future Horizons
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

HOW DO I MOTIVATE STUDENTS (ESPECIALLY OLDER STUDENTS) TO LEARN?

When children are entering school as kindergarteners, they may have an enthusiasm for learning that is exciting to teachers. As the years progress and the topics of study get more complicated and teachers expect more independence, the excitement of students may dwindle. As you may imagine, many students with special needs can become increasingly frustrated with school at this time. When my children were younger, I remember friends remarking, “Sure, it’s easy when they’re cute and little, but wait until they are bigger and things get difficult!” These comments resounded in my head as my children grew. There are many creative ways teachers and parents can motivate students throughout their educational journey.

It is our responsibility to provide praise and encouragement to our students. Every time they try a new skill, their success (combined with our response) can be critical for building confidence. We need to be good models of the behaviors we expect. When we are motivated to learn, it will be more exciting for our students. We should expect them to thrive and support them when they do not. Figuring out just how to do that is the trick.

Encourage students to learn using a preferred topic. For example, it may be easier to work on a math word problem when we change the wording to a subject that is interesting to the child. Today, I adapted an algebra problem for my son (as I homeschooled him). Instead of using the reference to going to the dress store, as the original wording suggested, I substituted going to the football game. His interest peaked and he actually enjoyed finding the solution. In science, learning about density may be easier if we compare two train models or sports balls.

Make your expectations clear and offer written or step by step objectives for the task. When the student knows exactly what’s expected of her, the task seems less daunting.

Ensure that each step has a clear starting and ending point.

Assist your student in setting his own goals. Determine what motivates him to learn and what incentives he may need to achieve his goals. Self-monitoring is an important skill to learn early in life. Provide checklists as the assignment progresses.

OTs have learned the unique skill of activity analysis. This simply means that we can break tasks down into specific steps and then adapt (make easier) the step in which the student is having difficulty. Activity analysis can be done when therapists and teachers investigate and determine at which point the student is not successful and begin one step earlier. Ensure success at that step and then move on to the next one. Provide praise and rewards as each step is accomplished.

Take pictures of students as they are working in class on various subjects. Write an article for the school or community newspaper about the wonderful things your students are learning.

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