Environmental Perceptions
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have established that students are most successful when they believe they are in an environment where their efforts will be supported. They must be challenged by the work they are given, encouraged when they are struggling, and then recognized for their efforts and their skill development when they succeed. It is not enough for these resources and support to be available, they must believe they will be given the support they need and have access to the necessary resources to achieve high levels of academic competence. Children can have highly inaccurate assessments of the level of support they have available.
As Parents
Teachers and parents need to build the trust necessary for the child to feel comfortable taking risks.
Discuss what your child needs at home to be successful and make arrangements for the support needed, whether it be a quiet place to work, review of homework, assistance with organization, or research tools.
Encourage your child to self-advocate; that is, identify areas where help is honestly needed and actively seeking out the appropriate assistance. Have an open discussion with your child about the support and resources available at home, at school, and in the community.
If necessary, reassure your child that support is available and help her evaluate the accuracy of her perceptions.
Investigate Further
As Parents
Teachers and parents need to build the trust necessary for the child to feel comfortable taking risks.
Discuss what your child needs at home to be successful and make arrangements for the support needed, whether it be a quiet place to work, review of homework, assistance with organization, or research tools.
Encourage your child to self-advocate; that is, identify areas where help is honestly needed and actively seeking out the appropriate assistance. Have an open discussion with your child about the support and resources available at home, at school, and in the community.
If necessary, reassure your child that support is available and help her evaluate the accuracy of her perceptions.
Investigate Further
Your child may persist in perceiving the environment as less supportive than it actually is. Worse, your child may have negative perceptions about his/her environment that are based in the reality of his/her situation. If either of these are a concern with your child, explore the topic further by opening the link above. Once you get to the site, open the page that is appropriate for the age of your child.
References
Search Institute. Developmental assets list. Retrieved from the Search Institute Online Web site at: http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets/lists
Siegle, D., McCoach, D.B., Greene, M, & Reis, S. (2000). Making a difference: strategies to increase student motivation and academic achievement. Retrieved from: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/Siegle/NRCGTUnderachievementStudy.htm
Siegle, D., McCoach, D.B., Greene, M, & Reis, S. (2000). Making a difference: strategies to increase student motivation and academic achievement. Retrieved from: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/Siegle/NRCGTUnderachievementStudy.htm