Running Head: CREATING PRODUCTS 1

Creating Products with Student

SPED 875: Advanced Practicum with Exceptional Children and Youth

University of Kansas

Dr. Martha Elford

Brent Seager

February 11, 2018

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Creating Products with Student

Teacher Learning

There were several different things that I learned while creating the one-pager and day

plan with my selected student. The first thing that I learned was how much the student has

grown during the past five weeks, as I have noticed that the student is advocating more for

himself and is more engaged in all learning environments. Another item that I learned about the

selected student is his hobby of writing fan fiction, as I did not know that he enjoyed this type of

writing. To encourage his usage of writing, I have provided him a writing journal that he can use

on breaks or to reduce stress or anxiety. Perhaps the item that surprised me the most was that the

student indicated that providing him more options is one way that others can help him. While

some items that I discovered while working with the student were not surprising, there were

several items that I discovered that will completely change my approach to future lessons and

activities.

Student Learning

The student learned several different things while completing the activities for module

five, but there were three key ideas that he took away from this. The first key idea that the

selected student gained was that he could take charge of his education and tell people what he

needed to be successful. Another key idea that the student took away from the activities was that

he could identify the factors necessary to having a good day, and how he can adapt to unforeseen

circumstances to have a good day. Perhaps one of the biggest ideas that the student gained from

the activities in module five was that he has the necessary supports in place, but needs to

continue working on telling others what he needs to be successful in all educational

environments. Even though the student learned many different items during the activities, the
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three listed above summarize some of the biggest ideas and concepts that the student took away

from the lesson and activities.

Student Benefits

There were at least three major benefits that the selected student gained from

participating in the module five activities for self-determination. The first benefit that the

student gained was being able to identify the necessary supports and accommodations that he

will need to be successful in all educational settings. Another major benefit that the selected

gained during the module five activities was that he could identify the factors necessary to have a

great day, and how to adjust as necessary when these factors are not present. A third benefit that

the student gained was that the student could apply his strengths and needs and see how it

impacted his future. While there were other benefits of the activities, these three represent major

benefits that have impacted the student and made him more self-determined about his education

and future.

Increased Participation Determination

While it is difficult to foresee how much difference the student’s responses to the

checklist and IEP participation might be from earlier in the course until now, I believe that there

would be a night and day difference. The selected student has more self-confidence since the

early weeks of the course, and this is clearly visible in his actions and responses with peers and

adults across all educational settings. The student has also learned more about himself and

which accommodations that he needs to be successful, so his participation and knowledge of the

IEP and procedures has significantly increased. Perhaps one of the biggest noticeable

differences between the earlier weeks of the course and now is that the selected student has

identified his strengths and how he can use these in a positive way to improve the learning

environment for himself and his peers. Even though some responses on the checklist and IEP
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participation might remain the same, I believe that a majority of the initial answers on these

documents would change significantly from the previous answers.