Showcasing the Motivational Strategies in Teaching Children with Autism at Padre Imo Luna MES' SPED Center

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This research involves showcasing the motivational strategies in teaching children with autism at Padre Imo Luna MES, SPED Center. The goal is to bring to view the motivational strategies in teaching these kind of children in this school. It sought to find out the motivational strategies in teaching children with autism; parents' feedbacks regarding the response of their children on the different motivational strategies used, and guidelines that can be used in developing the skills and performance of children with autism.

METHODS

To address this, the researchers used the qualitative method to document the possible affecting factors towards whether success or failure of motivational strategies in teaching children with autism. An informal interview with the 15 parents of children with autism was conducted.

Different motivational strategies for children with autism were discussed in this study such as; (1) The Token Economy System (pupils choice for incentive, visual, and consistency), (2) PointsSystem Charts with Incentives or Rewards, Verbal and Non-verbal Reinforcements (thumbs up/ thumbs down/smile/frowns/tally marks for earning), (3) Power cards and social stories, and (4) Video Modelling (behavior and challenging tasks prior to activity).

RESULTS

As a result, the Token Economy System is the motivational strategy that can be utilized with high extent for the children with autism. Parents gave their feedback regarding the motivational strategies utilized by the SPED teachers in which they also agreed upon with the result presented based on the performance of their children. Motivation is one of the key factors for their children to learn not only in school but also at their homes. Guidelines enhancing the motivational strategies in teaching children with autism were also created based on the study.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings may be useful to provide information on some motivational strategies in teaching children with autism. Since teaching learners with special needs (LSNs) requires complex teachers' ability, it is merely obvious that varied strategies play vital role in helping LSNs to learn as part of becoming a fruitful member of the society. It is quite meaningful to identify effective motivational strategies to help boost confidence and sense of well-being, same with the identification of such to regular learners.