In a previous blog, we discussed the power of choice in increasing student academic success. In one of the examples, we discussed that students can be given several topics to choose from to complete an assignment. Another layer to add to the element of choice is the integration of a highly preferred interest within those choices.
Examples of How to Incorporate Student Interests
The assignment is to write a poem. The teacher may have three topics for the students to choose from in writing their poem. However, the teacher might add a fourth topic in order to incorporate an option that targets a student’s keen interest.
The revised list of topic choices might include:
- Family
- Sports
- Nature
- Mario & Luigi
You might have guessed that Mario & Luigi was added to increase a connection with the activity for the student with Aspergers. One might argue that this strategy is applicable to everyone.
Research on neurotypical brains indicates that learning is retained when concepts have relevance and meaning.
A creative teacher will also take a concept and use the student’s interest as a way to teach that concept. For example, a student has a keen interest in rabbits. The teacher has found ways to use rabbits in multiplication problems, reading comprehension activities and social skills instruction.
Another way to incorporate interests throughout instruction includes the use of technology because students today have an affinity for this medium. PowerPoints, Prezi presentations, webquests and iPad apps are just a few ways to tap into technology strengths and interests.
By Lisa Rogers
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Jennifer had a long career in TV Broadcasting. Upon learning her oldest son Sam had a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, she left her career and became a full-time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her family and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids, as well as a documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for School-age Children Diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She formed the nonprofit Asperger101 to provide on-going free resources related to ASD at Aspergers101.com and has implemented the Texas Driving with Disability Program and continues to grow the statewide initiative today. She and her husband have recently retired to their property in the Texas Hill Country.
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