Eliminating learned helplessness in the classroom

         Learned helplessness is the belief that our own behavior does not influence what happens next, basically a student feels that he/she has no control over the learning process, and, therefore, gives up trying. Learned helplessness takes the form of passivity as students with disabilities are unable to participate fully in classroom activities. Teachers need to identify it and provide support in order overcome it.  The use of augmentative communication will enable a passive student to fully or even partially participate in an academic setting. Here are some tips for overcoming learned helplessness:

• Build a daily expectation of communication through activities like picking a book to read.
• Construct a daily report that must be communicated by the student to his parents.
• Allow natural consequences to occur and provide avenues for repair.
• Provide a choice that requires a student to use his or her augmentative devise.

In my classroom, our student is encouraged to use is augmentative devise when he needs something or want to go somewhere in the building.  This device empowers him and eliminates frustration.

Reference:

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom (2nd ed.)Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.