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.
