150. Reasons Why Your Learners Are Not Making the Progress They Deserve
Topics:
student’s progress, student’s developments, skills, independence, goals, objectives, orientation and mobility specialists, intrinsic motivation, ego, burn out, sensory integration, motor skills, proprioceptive awareness, micro-level examination, lesson planning, team members, communication, conversations, discussions, perspectives, checklists, holistic approach
In the intricate world of education, the pursuit of fostering learner independence is a noble but challenging endeavor. As educators, we play a vital role in shaping the 1% of our learners' waking lives that they spend with us. However, the remaining 99% poses a complex puzzle – how can we be the experts on their independence when they are navigating the vast majority of their time without our guidance?
In this reflective journey, we'll explore the reasons why some learners may not be making the progress they genuinely deserve. The goal is not only to enhance their independence but also to prevent the burnout that can afflict even the most impactful teachers.
Your student’s skills are not fully developed.
Motor skills play a pivotal role in shaping the independence of our learners. However, the journey to developing these skills is intricate and multi-causal, often requiring a nuanced approach.
The Multi-Causal Nature of Motor Skills
Motor skills are intricate, and their development is not a linear process. Teaching the skill alone may not yield the desired results if each component is not fully developed. To truly unlock motor skills, we must go below the surface, beyond the constraints of checklists, and examine where it all begins – sensory integration.
The Power of Sensory Integration
Sensory integration forms the bedrock of motor skill development. It's the process of organizing information received through our senses, and it plays a crucial role in how we move and interact with the world. As orientation and mobility specialists, understanding sensory integration is like having the master key to unlocking our students' potential.
Proprioceptive Awareness – The Overlooked Hero
Proprioception, often overlooked, is a cornerstone of motor skills. The awareness of our body's position in space, particularly through joints like the shoulder, is vital for executing precise movements. For instance, a learner's ability to maneuver a cane effectively hinges on their understanding of the spatial orientation of their shoulder and arm. Exploring proprioceptive awareness at a micro-level can unveil crucial insights into their overall motor skill development.
Micro-Level Examination
While macro-level skills, such as navigating intersections, are crucial, a micro-level examination of proprioceptive awareness adds a new dimension to our teaching approach. By assessing whether learners truly understand the position of their shoulder or the angle of their arm, we gain valuable insights that inform our instructional strategies. This micro-level perspective allows us to address foundational elements that might be hindering progress.
Look Below the Surface
The key takeaway is to look below the surface. Sensory integration, body awareness, concept development, and the ability to follow one-step commands are all integral components that contribute to a learner's overall progress. By understanding how these elements fit into their current skill set in relation to their goals, educators can tailor interventions that pave the way for holistic development.
Your students aren’t generalizing their skills.
One of the challenges we face as educators is ensuring that learners are not only equipped with the necessary skills but are also intrinsically motivated to apply them independently. Additionally, fostering effective communication with team members is essential for a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Intrinsic Motivation: It's Their Life
The intrinsic motivation of learners is a linchpin in the process of skill acquisition. In this realm, their buy-in is crucial. As educators, we may encounter learners who initially fail to see the value in O&M skills. An example is a student who initially questioned the relevance of the skills is now intrinsically motivated by the impending reality of independence. The shift from reluctance to enthusiasm stems from a newfound understanding of the practical impact these skills will have on his life. This illustrates that the path to intrinsic motivation is a journey that evolves over time.
Getting Team Members On Board: The Power of Communication
While intrinsic motivation is pivotal, so is the ability to generalize skills beyond the classroom. The challenge lies in encouraging learners to practice when we, as educators, are not around. This brings us to the importance of effective team communication. Often, we find ourselves talking at our team members, issuing directives without considering their perspectives or stressors. In the pursuit of shared goals, it's essential to build relationships and communicate in ways that foster understanding and collaboration.
Learning from Brene Brown: Vulnerability and Open Communication
Drawing inspiration from renowned speaker and author Brene Brown, who advocates for leaning into vulnerability, we must navigate communication with openness. A key question arises: How can we maintain an open front while still upholding a strong bond with our team members?
Asking Before Talking: Navigating Crucial Conversations
One practical approach to effective communication is adopting the habit of asking before talking. This strategy ensures that feedback is constructive, well-timed, and conducive to relationship-building. By refraining from immediately pointing out mistakes or shortcomings, educators can create a space for collaboration, allowing team members to reflect on their actions and perspectives.
Setting Up Post-Incident Discussions: Nurturing Accountability
Post-incident discussions are pivotal in maintaining accountability and strengthening relationships. Setting aside time within 24 hours to talk with team members provides an opportunity for both parties to share their perspectives. This approach allows educators to process their feelings, hold team members accountable, and maintain a collaborative atmosphere.
Our lesson plans just aren’t hitting the mark.
As educators, the impact we make on our learners' lives is paramount. However, there's an aspect often overshadowed in our day-to-day routines – the meticulous planning required to propel learners towards their goals.
Breaking the Cycle: From Goals to Impact
The challenge often lies not in our abilities as teachers but in the daily plans of action we put in place for our learners. It's easy to fall into the trap of writing goals that align with checklists but may not necessarily meet the unique needs of the learner. This misalignment can create a ripple effect, leaving educators wondering why the impact they strive for remains elusive.
A Shift in Perspective: Going Beyond Checklists
The notion of reevaluating daily plans may be met with resistance, especially by those content with the status quo. However, taking the time and care to assess not just what the checklists dictate but where the learner is actually headed is pivotal. The goal is to create a domino effect, shaping impactful goals that propel learners toward the life they aspire to lead, surpassing predetermined checklist expectations.
Creating Intrinsic Motivation: A Holistic Approach
For educators in their initial years, the tendency to check off acquired skills and move to the next can be a comfortable zone. However, the next step in professional growth involves viewing learners' lives holistically. Discovering what intrinsically motivates them, understanding their life goals, and aligning lessons with these aspirations are essential components. The process is about going beyond the routine and exploring the learner's unique journey.
Impacting Independence and Clarity: Tools for Success
To guide educators in this transformative journey, resources like "Impacting Independence" and "Clarity" provide actionable steps. "Impacting Independence" delves into the creation of goals that align not only with checklists but, more importantly, with the learner's actual needs. Complementing this, "Clarity," a lesson plan membership, offers pre-designed plans that educators can customize in five minutes or less, ensuring impactful lessons even on busy days.
It's imperative for educators in the field of Orientation and Mobility to recognize that the journey toward impactful teaching is both dynamic and multifaceted. As we navigate this terrain, let's approach each challenge with openness, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a dedication to understanding the unique journey of every learner. By acknowledging the potential roadblocks and embracing transformative resources, we can empower ourselves with the tools needed to create meaningful change in the lives of our students.