Initiate
Initiation is more than just getting started. Effective initiation means getting started with a plan and the resources to get the job done.
We tend to think of initiate as a deficit of motivation. With some extra pressure, students will get started, won't they? Not necessarily. Initiation delays might be caused by motivation ("I don't want to get started") but the root cause might also be something else. For example, the student might not have the materials they need to get started. They might not know what the final product is supposed to be. They might not be able to set clear steps towards their goals. Each of these challenges requires a different approach...so interpret initiation issues thoughtfully.
Initiate is measured with items such as “Needs to be told to begin a task even when willing” and “Has trouble getting started on work.”
How to support students struggling with Initiate
It is easy to identify the students with poor initiation. Ask the class to start an assignment, wait five minutes, and then check to see who is still fumbling around in their backpack or searching for the perfect pencil. Why are they so slow to begin? The answer is complicated, but rest assured that they are not avoiding work to be difficult. Perhaps they are feeling anxiety about the quality of their work. Perhaps they need something they don’t have. Perhaps they’re not sure why they procrastinate. You can help them identify their needs and provide (a) a plan that shows the steps, (b) all necessary resources and tools, and (c) some work strategies for starting.
Some classroom strategies:
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