#LDchat Archive
Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
Wednesday February 24, 2016
Welcome to today’s LD Chat. Today, we’ll be talking about motivation.
Kerri, 24, + learning issues. Also lucky to do some blogging for - just got off a call with :]
Hi! I'm Sherri, Dyslexia Therapist from Texas ❤️
Hello Sharon in CT here for a short bit
We’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions during LD Chat. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
Q1: Why is motivation especially important for kids with learning and attention issues?
glad to jump in during lunch
A1: when can tap motivation can often combat the attention issues with greater ease
I'm here today! Really looking forward to the topic
A1 Motivation would be important to keep more of a focus on learning...
A1. The frustration they face from skills not coming easily can short-circuit
A1: Kids with LAI face much greater challenges, so motivation is so important.
A1. Because of the extra effort most things take, people with LAI need to have that extra push to keep persisting through a task.
A1: I once motivated some struggling Ss in a math class with the promise of me doing a cartwheel if did well, they worked hard!
A1. Easier to stay in their comfort zone
A1 Because when they find the motivation it can be difficult to stop, which can be used as an advantage.
A1. Those of us with LAI also need to sustain motivation longer than those without… making it extra important to find that drive
Exactly! https://t.co/TyGaDeRZdK
A1 Because when they find the motivation it can be difficult to stop, which can be used as an advantage.
Each event in slow motion, every role connected. Read - AMAZING GRACE - The Heartland Series https://t.co/HUfialqfTz
Finding what motivates can lead to greater perseverance
I find I go into hyper focus when I am motivated. I love it! Can be exhausting though.
A1: Motivation is the why! It helps Ss fight thru a learning or attention struggle because they want to not because they have to
A1 Once you find how to motivate someone, you can use it interchangably with different subjects.
true, but so better to be exhausted by that than from fighting the work
Q2: What factors contribute to student motivation?
A2 If students find a need for it. If they can see the benefit in the project, that can help.
A2: accessibility of lesson and that means academic, emotional, and physical accessibility
A2. Perceived value of task, support, reward for effort, active involvement, and FUN.
A2: Relevance - knowing why they are doing a task.
A2 Kids have to know that their teachers and peers respect them and have high expectations for them. This is crucial to motivation.
A2 Value - Ss will be motivated when they see the value in what they are learning.
Exactly! What use will this work be to me in my life. I find that being a huge motivator, even for me as an adult!
Happening now! RT : Join today at 12 ET. Topic: The Importance of Motivation
A2: Interests, Friendly competition, feeling part of a community all build motivation
A2. Even if not successful students need to know that their effort is important--process > outcome (at times)
A1 finding the right motivation is key, the wrong one can backfire and set you back with trust.
Finding each level of engagement is important
A2: Teacher skills are important, of course.
It's important to capitalize on strengths while supporting weaknesses to foster motivation
A2: Setting goals and using technology
MUY importante!! https://t.co/bGmWOUqHs5
A2 Kids have to know that their teachers and peers respect them and have high expectations for them. This is crucial to motivation.
A3: Novelty is important, so is home support.
This! Why p2p programs work. (Makes me think of the Special Olympics program I coach, too - ) https://t.co/W3SOXYuKUd
A2: Interests, Friendly competition, feeling part of a community all build motivation
Sad to jump out but off to motivate a writing class w/ Kidspiration in their iPads!
Q3: How do a growth mindset and resilience play a role in motivating students with learning and attention issues?
especially for ADHD and personalities that need to understand the why
A3. A mistake is a learning experience, not a failure. Think this plays into both growth mindset + resilience.
True for all, but especially our special needs population. https://t.co/9KEVNcI6ck
It's important to capitalize on strengths while supporting weaknesses to foster motivation
A2 Jumping in late. Feeling success is POSSIBLE is huge for motivation.
A3: Ts should have feedback conferences, showing Ss how far they've come regularly. Mistakes are OK bc we learn from them.
A3: Effort becomes the focal point
A3 rewarding true effort and not just perfection can be a great. Allows for motivation even in failure = resilience
Have to run to a meeting - Such a great today! Will be reading the transcript later to catch up on all the great info!
Question: Teachers give students feedback—how often are students enabled to give teachers feedback?
A3 Resilience can be tricky esp when applied to social situations. Peers do not typically provide second chances.
YES! LD kids can be very hard on themselves!
A3: Giving Ss an opportunity to reflect on what they learned during the process build resilience too.
Great question! Hopefully, students feel comfortable and empowered to self-advocate and give teacher feedback.
I remember doing all the prof evals in university—think younger students could also give feedback this way 1/2
Q4: What effects do praise or rewards have on motivation or learning?
Q4: What effects do praise or rewards have on motivation or learning?
A4. Can be beneficial but also detrimental. Rewards/praise need to be given carefully so learners remain/become self-motivated.
A4: Praise and reward draw important attention to students doing the right thing. They build extrinsic motivation
Mistakes are a necessary part of education. “Why do we fall down?” “So we can practice getting up.”
https://t.co/v3bP6ttkIc
A3. A mistake is a learning experience, not a failure. Think this plays into both growth mindset + resilience.
A4 That's also tricky. Praise must always be sincere. Kids feel humiliated when praised for mundane tasks esp in front of peers.
a4 significant impact ie positive reinforcement
That path taken needs to be appreciated.
https://t.co/GmMzbgbR00
A3 rewarding true effort and not just perfection can be a great. Allows for motivation even in failure = resilience
A4 Excessive praise was equally humiliating for me as being disparaged and degraded.
A4. Also if used incorrectly, not getting a reward [or praise] will feel like a consequence/punishment—not the desired effect.
A4: They definitely can help, but what about appreciation & recognition of effort? That goes a long way 2.
https://t.co/ghXRh1o1Ct
Q4: What effects do praise or rewards have on motivation or learning?
Q5: What are some ways that technology can enhance motivation for kids with learning and attention issues?
Great point! Praise for effort helped my son - was a strategy employed in and by his SLP.
A5 They are FINALLY able to show what they actually know. Excited to express their ideas fully and completely!
A5: Ss love using technology to create and design. Give them there opportunities in the classroom. Often they know more than us!
…I may now have Fully Completely by in my head all day. ;D
Q5 Technology can be a great tool for appealing to a child's preferred learning style.
A5 In addition to assistive tech, kids can also find out more about their interests and have more access to communities that share
Q5: Technology can increase a sense of competency
A5 Makes work easier for them. Therefor might be more motoivated to try the work.
A5 Feel like they are on PAR with their classmates, which motivates them to try and prove themselves.
A5. Tech offers various ways to express ideas but also for noting progress toward goals—for kids and adults alike.
Q5: TTS brings gets everyone reading on the same level
Q5 Incorporating favorite gaming characters/apps in learning activities can help increase focus and attention to details.
A5 their interests and have a platform to share their ideas. For example Choreography software can help people who struggle to dance
A5 due to coordination issues. And such technology also helps them share their ideas even though it may be difficult to implement
A5 Helped make my son independent. I no longer had to read to him, audio books motivated him reading
A5. Goal setting with RPG task list apps + may help some reluctant learners or those with EF/attention issues
A5: & can make it easier for ppl to express themselves in a more meaningful way.
https://t.co/BFm2GKPbhV
Q5: What are some ways that technology can enhance motivation for kids with learning and attention issues?
I also have been using to set goals and track progress, make myself mindful of time management https://t.co/R6HPQrHTLC
Last question coming up...
A5 Computer aided design and simulation software helps people showcase what they might not be able to convey in person.
Q6. What is a parent’s role in increasing a child’s motivation?
A6: Parents should always recognized their child's strengths and build on them
RT : Q6. What is a parent’s role in increasing a child’s motivation? A6. Belief in them. Valuing their uniqueness
We can’t forget the motivating power of . That’s beyond big.
https://t.co/dVlh15oQE2
A5 Helped make my son independent. I no longer had to read to him, audio books motivated him reading
In my day it was "La Chancla" . Glad we've gotten away from that thinking when it comes to education/motivation.
A6: Parents should always recognize their child's strengths and build on those strengths
Q6 1: Partnering with educators, knowing grade expectations, and setting consistent schedules with things to look forward to.
A6. Hardest part as parent is when to push when to pull and when to just walk alongside them.
A6: I think we can’t forget the important role of helping kids understand their motivations when they can.
https://t.co/vc7mGslp6Q
Q6. What is a parent’s role in increasing a child’s motivation?
A6. Parents should be interested and encouraging, but not overwhelming or overbearing.
Q6 2: Visual timers are great for keeping on track - with a known expectation for longer TV time, or playing with devices.
A6. Also one of those “They to know you care before they care what you know.” things. Even kids don’t want too much advice.
A6 (cont’d): Parents can help kids unpack what’s going on & they should. Spending time figuring out motivation will last past K12.
A6: Ps have to provide support and encouragement, but also set expectations.
A6(cont’d): As a parent, I see myself as a cheerleader yes, but also as a coach. That coach part is often more critical for growth.
You ain't just whislin' La Guantanamera there mujer!! https://t.co/CHvpMiRlNd
A6. Hardest part as parent is when to push when to pull and when to just walk alongside them.
A6. Help name his emotions/identify abilities & brainstorm what to do/what he needs to problem solve - which leads to self advocacy
