Overcoming Learned Helplessness

In my previous blog, I discussed TechMatrix usefulness in finding and researching different resources. Today, I will examine strategies teacher may use to overcome learned helplessness. 

According to William Meek, a child psychologist, learned helplessness is a psychological state where people feel powerless to change their self or situation (2008). In essence, it means that the person feels as if change is not possible of their prevalent or unchangeable personal problem. As educators, it is our job to do as much for our students as possible to prevent learned helplessness or aid students in recovering from it. Dell, Newton, and Petroff have offered Five Tips for Overcoming Learned Helplessness.

1.       Build a daily expectation of communication through specific activities such as choosing the activity during recess, picking a book to read, or identify where to eat lunch.

2.       Construct a brief daily report to parents that is communicated by the student.

3.       Allow natural consequences to occur and provide avenues for repair. This includes setups that alter the environment to provide less support or sabotage.

4.       Provide for choice making whenever possible that requires the student to use his or her augmentative communication system.

5.       Provide powerful phrases on the device for students to reject or protest something.

Out of these five tips, I believe number three is the most important for teachers to emphasize in the classroom. In order for students to understand how to handle pressures, they must practice overcoming them. Sometimes in today's world,I believe we try to over protect children and take away from their problem solving skills which are necessary in the real world. My hope to help students experience enough natural consequences to prepare them to face the many trials they may face in life.

Please view the video below as it gives great example on learned helplessness!  Until Next Time!

Meek, W. (2008) Learned Helplessness. Retrieved July 25, 2013 at http://gad.about.com/od/glossary/g/learnedhelp.htm