The resistant learner Book

"The basic principles of success in school and in life: knowing who you are, knowing what you do well, knowing what you want" (31).

To help resistant learners, you need to help them identify and use their natural talents. The problem is that many students don't know what their strengths are. The author suggests giving students learning inventories to help them figure it out. Because teachers have their own prefered learning styles, you need to teach students how to recognize them and adjust to that learning style. Another issue with students is chronic disorganization. Give students techniques for organization, including how to organize a binder. Many students shoot themselves in the foot because they are unmotivated and resist "establishing personal academic goals that require effort, commitment, and diligence."

There are so many life skills students need in order to survive: "They must be able to read with decent comprehension, identify and retain important information, establish goals, set priorities, plan ahead, organize, evaluate the pros and cons of choices, manage time, budget finances, fill out forms and applications, and express themselves comprehensibly. They must also be receptive to learning new skills. ...To achieve in life, these young adults must be willing to target personally meaningful goals, work conscientiously, acquire pertinent proficiencies, solve problems, learn from mistakes, bounce back from defeat, and develop strategies for attaining their objectives" (82).

Teachers should have students write out personal long-range goals, short-term goals, long-term school goals, specific academic short-term goals, and weekly goals.

You should also discuss steps for establishing priorities.