Mod 5

Way to go guys! We did it!!

Chapter 12 has hands down been my favorite chapter to analyze. There was so much to learn about from intrinsic to extrinsic motivation and students attitudes towards school. Maslow's Hierarchy of needs was an extremely interesting section to read. Self-actualization, or the fulfillment of one's own potential is the ultimate need that everyone should strive for, but it can not be reached until both the lower and higher level needs are met. Working in a special education classroom has taught me that not everyone has the capabilities to fulfill these needs, and that is why I think my role in the classroom is so important. Not only is it is my job to motivate my students to achieve their goals, but I have to help them learn how to set achievable goals for themselves. 

Work avoidance goals are a  particularly big challenge for me and my one on one student right now. Woolfolk defines work- avoidant learners as "students who don't want to learn or to look smart, but just want to avoid work." Although my student is considered one of the higher functioning students in the class according to his cognitive ability, he hates any assignment that involves exerting a little effort. It does not matter what the task at hand, whether it's related to his academic work, job skills, or even personal hygiene, he is content with constantly trying to avoid work. Originally I had thought he would for sure run out of ideas on how he can distract himself, but lately it has gotten so bad that he has been asking to take bathroom breaks that last for over fifteen minutes. To accommodate his work avoidant attitude, I decided to create his own bathroom passes. My goal is for us to create two scheduled routine bathroom breaks through out the day that are not in the middle of class periods. 

It is also my own personal goal to try to get him to adopt a growth mindset. A part of me feels like he is constantly trying to avoid work because he does not want to make mistakes or break any habits that do not support his learning. I want to get him excited about challenging himself to learn new things instead of avoiding them out of fear of failure.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope you all enjoy your time off