Motivating Students Who Have a Learning

Disability (LD)

Table of Contents

1. Why are LD students unmotivated?2. What can we do?3. Theory4. Extrinsic and intrinsic

motivation5. Activity6. Promoting intrinsic motivation7. Conclusion and questions

Why are LD Students Difficult to Motivate?• Early Discouragement

• LD student experiences years of struggle• Develops a poor attitude

• Maladaptive Behaviors• Students copes with struggle with poor/aloof behavior

• Learned Helplessness• Child feels success is too much effort• Gives an excuse/ or gives up• Levine Pg 260-266

What Can We Do?• Break the Negative Cycle

• Use modifications and accommodations to increase student success

• Dispelling the Learning Disability Stereotype

• Parents and child should be educated about the learning disability

• Increasing Motivation Using Behavior Modifications

• Reward desirable behavior• Create a predictable learning environment• Ignore or provide negative consequences for unwanted behavior

• Consistent behavior management

Our Goal• To have LD Students move from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation

• Theory•Enough Extrinsic Motivation should lead to Intrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic Motivation• Motivation that comes from outside an individual

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Intrinsic Motivation• Motivation that comes from inside an individual

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Activity Time

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• Create a positive atmosphere• Establish a sense of belonging

• Getting them involved (task)• Make our lessons authentic• Offer open ended activities

How to Promote Intrinsic Motivation

How to Promote Intrinsic Motivation cont’d

• Frequent positive feedback• Allow them to see success regularly

• Provide choices• Balance the challenge• Have a Peer Mentor

One Thing We Have To Wait For Is

•Maturity

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THE END