Date of Award
2001
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
M.S. Program in Instructional Technology and Distance Education
Advisor
Christine Rodriguez
Committee Member
Mitzi Burden
Keywords
communication problems, hands-on experiences, independent living skills, lower functioning students, motivational strategies, music, parental involvement, parental support, special educational strategies, special school, student independence, teacher motivation, teacher training, workstations
Abstract
This practicum was designed to increase the independent living skills of low functioning students in a special school. Parents were not involved in the school's programs and were not committed to seeing that their children develop independence. Teachers were not motivated or adequately trained and equipped to assist these students. These low functioning students were not aware that their needs were not being met.
The writer selected and utilized five strategies as solutions for the problem. These included: Teacher training, motivational strategies, parental involvement, hands-on experiences, and music. Weekly planning and training sessions were conducted for teachers, who were provided with additional skills and materials for students' instruction. Students and teachers were provided with new workstations, which facilitated hands-on activities.
Analysis of results revealed that teachers who completed their own research and were adequately trained and provided with appropriate materials, could successfully motivate and teach lower functioning students. Research was successful in helping students develop independent living skills. Those who were unsuccessful did little follow up and wanted all jobs completed for them. Results indicated that lower functioning students are motivated to develop independent living skills when their teachers are motivated to help them. Music was found to be a motivating influence also.