Strategies for Overcoming Learned Helplessness

Learned helplessness is what can happen when students are not give opportunities to practice independence in their daily lives. Assistive technology can be empowering and freeing for so many individuals, but this can only take place the student feels comfortable using their device. If students are not trained in how to use AT properly, they are not going to be able to use it confidently in their daily live. It is critical for the special education teacher to provide students with training in how to properly use their devices in order to prevent frustration and learned helplessness.

Here are some strategies teachers can use to help students get the most out of AT devices like augmentative communication devices and others:

Model How to Use the Device- Teachers should model how to use new devices multiple times for students and give students opportunities to practice in a safe environment

Facilitate Peer Partnerships- Helping students build positive relationships with peers will give them more opportunities to interact in a natural way with their peers.

Monitor Student Progress- Teachers need to gather and chart data in order to closely monitor student progress in using AT devices in order to ensure effectiveness.

These strategies will help students become active participants in their classrooms, at home, and in the community!