Overcoming Learned Helplessness

There are techniques and strategies teachers can implement in the classroom to overcome learned helplessness with students.


A) Create a daily expectation of communication through specific activities the student engages in. This could include picking the activity at recess, choosing where to eat lunch, and selecting a book or magazine to read.


B) Make a concise daily report to parents that is divulged to them by the student.


C) Capitalize on natural consequences that occur, and provide means to amend them. This includes modifying the environment to provide less support or sabotage.


D) Allow the student to make choices whenever possible in their schedule, and require them to  do so via their augmentative communication system.


E) Provide the student with phrases on their device that allows them to reject or protest something. This allows the student to advocate for them self and gives them more input in their day to day activities.

 

Reference Below

Dell, A., Newtown, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom.
Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Education Inc.

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