MOTIVATION AND MINDSETS

This blog entry is due no later than 3:00 on Wednesday November 18.

Please reflect and comment on this quote from George Bernard Shaw which relates to Motivation and Mindsets.

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them.

Think about this quote in relation to students and teachers.

STUDENT MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT

This blog entry is due no later than 3:00 on Wednesday October 28.

Please reflect on the following passage from the Motivation Breakthrough by Richard Lavoie.

Just as each student learns in their own unique way, each child is motivated in a way that is unique. The key to developing long term motivational strategies is to analyze each child's motivational needs and design curricula and management techniques that are responsible to those needs.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:THE AFFECT ON STUDENT SUCCESS

This blog entry is due no later than 3:00 on Wednesday October 14.

In preparation for our discussions on Social/Emotional Development and Social Cognition, please reflect on the following quote from Mind at a Time.

I get a little behind, and don't feel like dealing with it, so I put it behind me. Then I get more behind and I don't feel like bothering with it. Then I am too far behind to do anything about it. And unfortunately that is the way it happens every year.

As part of your response, think about what you as a classroom teacher can do to help this student.

MEMORY MATTERS

We will be discussing Memory in the next few weeks. This blog entry is due no later than 3:00 on Wednesday September 30.

"Attention and Memory are compatriots. When you are not concentrating, it is hard to remember. Therefore, measures used to improve attention will help with memory functions". Respond to the above quote and give examples to support your response.

Paying Attention to Attention

We will be discussing Attention and Memory during the next few weeks. This blog entry is due no later than Wednesday September 16 at 3:00.

Please choose one of the following:

• What do you see as the unique role of attention in learning? Think of students in your classes whose attention controls are not operating in an efficient manner. What characteristics do they exhibit? More importantly, what are accomodations and interventions you might implement to help these students?
• React to the following quote from Mind at a Time. " We know he can do the work if he wants to. In fact, when he can overcome his attitude problems, he will succeed. Until then, it is up to him. We can't help him until he helps himself. "

WELCOME TO SPED 504 MM

During the semester, students will be responsible for entering 8 comments on my blog page. Due dates are on the syllabus. These statements should be about 125 words. I will enter a statement or quote and your responsibility is to think about my entry and write a reaction.

First Blog- Due September 2, 2009 no later than 3:00 pm

"All children have unique strengths/weaknesses. Using this perspective, provide your initial thoughts regarding successful approaches to the teaching of diverse learners"