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The 3 A’s

Attitude

Achievements

Abilities

Dr. Richard GackaDirector: ABLE LD Project1/29/11

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What are my talents and

abilities?

What have I done in my

life?

What do I value?What kind of person am I?

Reflection, self-analysis and metacognition

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What are my talents and

abilities?

What have I done in my life?What do I value?

What kind of person am I?

What are his talents and

abilities?

What has he done with his

life?What does he value?

Who is he?

But impressions shape people’s reactions to you, and determine what they expect of you (or don’t expect of you). Perceptions are in fact, an alternative reality

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So, Your are Never Alone

Who you areWho you think you are Who I think you are

differences differences

differences

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The PlayersThe “real” you (is important but may have little to do with perceptions)

Your perception of yourself (very important)

Other people’s perception of you (very important)

The difference between the three (something to look at as part of your diagnostic assessment)

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So in order to find out about the various players, we will need to:

1. Know what to look for (so we will know it when we see it)

2. Have direct interaction and information (if possible)

3. Trust that the student is giving accurate self-assessment information

4. Have a set of structured questions to guide our observations and questions

5. Establish open and honest communication between us

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Learn to see what is not obvious and hear what is not said.(Oh, if they only sold those kind of glasses)

The information is right there in front of you.

You just need to be skilled enough to see it!

You will need to constantly hone your perceptiveness and learn from your experiences

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The “Three A’s” – A simple, but useful way to categorize important factors that support employability, independence and learning.

Ability – what can you learn?Achievement – what did you learn?Attitude – what do you want to learn?

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You may be getting restless and thinking, “OK, I get it, where’s the beef?” But please bear with me for just a bit.

Everything we have talked about so far is very abstract and somewhat “conceptual” but is is ESSENTIAL THAT YOU RECOGNIZE IT. Why? Because it is not the kind of material that can be learned by reading or that can just be memorized for a multiple choice test

You need to understand it, and practice it.

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The 3 A’s

Attitude

Achievements

Abilities

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Ability is a term that is used to classify the variety of cognitive skills that are needed to solve problems and to utilize existing knowledge in new ways. Abilities, include general capacities such as attention, concentration, memory, and self regulation, but also include abstract reasoning as well as traditional verbal and visual symbolic processing. You might think in terms of multiple abilities, blending ideas of traditional IQ with other capacities such as spatial reasoning, social intelligence, mechanical reasoning, etc.

The concept of Abilities might also be expanded to include capacities that are commonly referred to as “talents,” “gifts,” “propensities,” “knacks,” or “potential.” These attributes are often observed in artistic, social, mechanical or athletic endeavors.

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Verbal linguistic Mathematical Social

perceptiveness Mechanical Musical Athletic Coordination Interpersonal Leadership Nurturance Parenting “Common

Sense”

Artistic Dramatic Vocal Endurance Analytical Empathy Health Visualization Self-Awareness Perseverance Creativity Memory Leadership Intuitiveness

What are some types of ability?

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There are many definitions of “Intelligence,” and most people have their own concept of what it is. To a large degree, “intelligence” is defined by the content of intelligence tests. In our society intelligence is often equated with verbal competence and the capacity to manipulate symbols. Vocabulary knowledge, abstract reasoning, spatial reasoning, memory and pictorial reasoning all are processes tapped by traditional tests. While there may be multiple intelligences, it is also a fact that verbal proficiency is a key factor in academic success. In the environment of schooling, intelligence and verbal proficiency are closely related.

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale, the most widely used IQ test, contains items that measure vocabulary, auditory reception, listening comprehension, ability to express ideas in coherent sentences, memory of verbal input, mental manipulation of verbal information and other language processing skills. It also measures non-verbal skills, but for purposes of an educational prognosis, verbal proficiency is a very important skill.

In upcoming slides, we will identify some of the “non verbal,” “other,” “alternative,” or “multiple” intelligences that an instructor can tap both for direct learning, but also to supplement possible verbal difficulties.

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“Variability” and the term “normal”

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The Bell Curve and Intelligence

Deficient Ability Superior Ability

Generalized Intellectual

DifficultyLow Average Average Above Average

“Borderline” range

Possible LD -- Average or above with Learning Problems

Learning ProblemsBut not LD

Gifted

The historical definition of “LD” has assumed 1) average ability

and 2) discrepancy between potential and achievement

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Visual Learners

Auditory Learners

Tactile Kinesthetic Learners

Hands On Learners

Logical Sequential Learners

Emotional or Humanistic Learners

Multiple Intelligences Learning Styles

18Worksheet for Analysis of Individual Strengths, Weaknesses and Preferences

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1. Bob is so quick on his feet and funny. I wish I could think of a comeback like he does.

2. Mary can really read a crowd. She knows just what to say and what people want to hear.

3. Al is so analytical and logical. He can get right to the heart of the problem.

4. I can't tell you why I know it, but I just know!5. I’ll vote for Tom, he always gets the job done! I trust him. 6. Ted can fix anything!7. For a young man, Bill is sure talented when it comes to

business.8. Gary is a great speaker, he just has a way with words.9. Glenda is a great basketball player.10. Wilma is such a good mother!

Knowledge Test: What kind of ability does each of the following describe?

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Lets explore Abilities: Interview Format Are you good with words? Are you good with reading and writing? Have you ever held a leadership role in any group or organization? Do you play a musical instrument or sing in a group? Are there any sports that you are good at? Are you mechanically inclined? Do you seem to make friends easily? Are you good at managing money? Do you speak any languages other than English? Do you have any older children who are successful as an adult? Do you have any children who are doing well in school? Do you keep you home neat and tidy? Are you in good physical condition in terms of weight, health, and stamina? Do you know how to use a computer, smart phone or other technology? Are you mature, trustworthy and responsible? Have you been successful in a specific job you have held? Do have any hobbies or recreational interests? Do other people tend to like you? In your work, do you get along with supervisors and people in authority? Do you have any artistic talent?

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Lets explore Abilities: External Rating Format __ is good with words? __ is good with reading and writing? __ has held a leadership role in a group or organization? __ plays a musical instrument or sings in a group? __ is good at some sports? __ is mechanically inclined? __ can make friends easily? __ is good at managing money? __ can speak a language other than English? __ has older children who are successful as an adult? __ has children who are doing well in school? __ keeps their home neat and tidy? __ is in good physical condition in terms of weight, health, and stamina? __ knows how to use a computer, smart phone or other technology? __ is mature, trustworthy and responsible? __ has been successful in a specific job they have held? __ has hobbies or recreational interests? __ Other people tend to like me? __ Gets along with supervisors and people in authority? __ Has artistic talent?

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Lets explore Abilities: Self-Report Format I am good with words? I am good with reading and writing? I have held a leadership role in any group or organization? I play a musical instrument or sing in a group? I am good at some sports? I am mechanically inclined? I can make friends easily? I am good at managing money? I can speak a language other than English? I have older children who are successful as an adult? I have children who are doing well in school? I keep my home neat and tidy? I am in good physical condition in terms of weight, health, and stamina? I know how to use a computer, smart phone or other technology? I am mature, trustworthy and responsible? I have been successful in a specific job I have held? I have hobbies or recreational interests? Other people tend to like me? In my work, I get along with supervisors and people in authority? I have artistic talent?

Ability is the Power Source It appears to vary in terms of innate

“strength.” How strong are the student’s interests?

It appears to vary in terms of “type.” What are the student’s interests?

It appears to vary in terms of “flexibility.” How rigid and intense are the student’s interest?

It appears to vary in terms of “relevance.” How useful are the student’s interests?

It appears to vary in terms of “social value.” To what degree do the student’s interests help them to be socially accepted or rejected?

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Concepts to Remember (Ability)1. Most people have a variety of abilities2. Ability is more than just IQ3. Think in terms of multiple abilities and learning styles4. The “perceived you” both, internal and external, may be more

important than the “real you”5. Abilities can be improved, and they can be used to offset deficits6. It is useful to talk with students about their abilities so that they

can better understand themselves and use them more effectively in their learning

7. Identifying variability is important when doing diagnostic observations and assessment

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The 3 A’s

Attitude

Achievements

Abilities

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Achievement represents the accomplishment of positive goals. In educational settings it is primarily viewed as mastery of factual knowledge and the processes needed to apply that knowledge. Outside the classroom it represents positive accomplishment of personal goals, social or economic success, or a variety of other achievements.

A # 2 Achievement – what you did with your abilities?

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Achievement represents the mastery and application of knowledge and skills. Traditional components include mathematics reasoning, computation, reading comprehension, writing, sciences (including physics, biology and or chemistry), general knowledge (geography and social sciences) and broad communication skills. Mastery of vocational, social, artistic, and athletic skills linked to other abilities also constitute other forms of achievement.

The concept of Achievement can be expanded beyond academic mastery to include achievements that frequently involve group participation, academic learning, vocational success, and other demonstrations of successful utilization of abilities.

Many students have achieved success in athletics, domestic stability, language proficiency or even successful triumph over significant life challenges. While they remain poor readers, or spellers, many students have achieved some level of success in meeting personal goals.

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Goals

Maturity and perceptiveness

Innate emotional

and personality

traits

Situational Factors

Expectations of others

Availability of guides and

mentors

Acceptance and

internalization

Factors that impact goal achievement

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Ability is like a tool box of

instruments for producing things

Achievements represent the

results of using your abilities

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What are some types of achievement?

Good grades Diplomas, degrees and

certificates completed Languages mastered Raising successful

children Maintaining a good

marriage Athletic awards Offices held in clubs Promotions Proficiency with tools Hobbies or interests Drawings or paintings

Playing an instrument Acting in a play Singing in a choir Volunteering Effectively manage

money Staying fit Staying out of trouble Having many true

friends Relocating from a

different country Voting Live independently

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Non Academic Types of Achievement Skilled in the use of tools or equipment. Has mastery of specific techniques or processes Succeeds in athletic competition Completes external tests or performance criteria. Is recognized for quality artistic or musical performance. Shows mastery of alternative symbolic systems (drafting,

shorthand, etc.) Displays fluency in other languages. Is recognized for leadership or social service. Does community volunteer work. Pays for children to go to private school or college.

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Lets explore Achievements: Interview Format Have you spoken or performed before a group? Have you held a job for longer than a year? Do you play a musical instrument? Have you operated large equipment? Are you skilled at using hand tools? Can you speak languages other than English? Are all of you bills paid? Have you traveled outside of Pennsylvania? Have you ever been arrested? Have you received any certificated, diplomas or awards? Do you have a drivers license? Have you ever had an accident? Are you in good physical condition in terms of weight, health, and stamina? Can you use a software such as Excel and a word processor? Are you doing volunteer work? Are you a good cook? Do have any hobbies or recreational interests? Do other friends that you visit or that visit you? Have your read more than 3 books in the last year? Do you clip coupons and save money when you shop? Are you a leader in your church or social organizations. Have you cared for a pet? Have you served in the military? Are you current with your rent or mortgage payments?

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Lets explore Achievements: External Rating __ has performed before a group __ has held a job for longer than a year __ has plays a musical instrument __ has operated large equipment __ is skilled at using hand tools __ speaks languages other than English __ has paid all of the bills __ has traveled outside of Pennsylvania __ has never been arrested __ has received a certificate, diploma or awards __ has a drivers license __ has never had an accident __ is in good physical condition in terms of weight, health, and stamina __ can use a software such as Excel and a word processor __ has done volunteer work __ is a good cook __ has hobbies or recreational interests __ has friends that they visit or that visit him/her __ has read more than 3 books in the last year __ clips coupons and saves money when they shop __ is a leader in their church or social organizations __ has cared for a pet __ has served in the military __ is current with their rent or mortgage payments

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Lets explore Achievements: Self-Report I have spoken or performed before a group I have held a job for longer than a year I play a musical instrument I have operated large equipment I am skilled at using hand tools I canspeak languages other than English All of my bills are paid I have traveled outside of Pennsylvania I have never been arrested I have received a certificated, diploma or award I have a drivers license? I have never had an accident I am in good physical condition in terms of weight, health, and stamina I can use software such as Excel and a word processor I have done volunteer work I am a good cook I have hobbies or recreational interests I have friends that I visit or that visit me I have read more than 3 books in the last year I clip coupons and save money when I shop I am a leader in my church or social organizations I have cared for a pet I have served in the military I am current with my rent or mortgage payments

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Why is talking about achievements important?

• It leads nicely to discussions about the difference between goals and achievements

• It is a topic that can be used to develop self-reflection which can lead to better planning

• It brings to the forefront the meaningful things that many people have done in their life

• It provides a springboard for discussions of “why did I succeed,” which easily leads to the topic of attitudes (which we will discuss shortly)

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Caution

Some students will come to an ABLE class predisposed to do three things:1. Be “down on themselves” and have little appreciation of what they have done in

their life because their focus will be on their lack of only academic achievement2. Inadequately internalize or understand the need for achievement. Many of these

students live a life style that continues to be very dependent on government, non-profit agencies or their parents. They are often emotionally immature and have not developed personal responsibility or goal planning and implementation abilities. They may be hypersensitive to perceived criticism and respond to any discussion by simply terminating any interaction or responding in an immature way.

3. They may have been raised in an environment where much of this material is foreign to them. They may have been raised in an environment of low expectations or chronic chaos, and as a result, function in a type of survival mode.

All of these indicate a need to intervene carefully and with sensitivity, but with continuing focus on self-awareness and the expectations that come with the use of abilities and talents.

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The 3 A’s

Attitude

Achievements

Abilities

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Abilities

AchievementsAttitudes

The dynamic relationship exists between the three factors

Changes on any one of the three factors will have an impact on the others

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AttitudeA wide range of supporting emotional, affective, cognitive and behavioral attributes that are critical for the utilization of ability and achievement. Attitude includes such things as social concern, motivation, punctuality, responsibility, honesty, self-monitoring, reaction to supervision, acceptance of authority, personal values, etc. It is frequently considered under the general labels of “social intelligence,” “personality,” “maturity” and “work ethic.”

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A wide range of supporting cognitive, emotional, affective, cognitive and behavioral attributes that form the foundation for the use of ability in the acquisition of information and skills.

Attitude – what you want to learn?

Your students will not learn what they do not want to learn, or are not aware that they should know.

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The Building Blocks of Attitude

What you value Who you think you are Your frustration tolerance Your willingness to

subordinate to authority How much you like people Your level of perseverance Your feelings of membership Your concern for quality Your concern for safety Your level of patience How much you “care” about

what you do. Your anger management Your concern for the future

Your level of impulse control Who you listen to for advice How much effort you are

willing/able to put forth and sustain

Your ability to focus Your capacity to accept

responsibility Your openness to new ideas Your view of yourself Your sense of entitlement Your level of honesty Your ability to take criticism Your level of self-centeredness

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Lets explore Attitude: Self-Report P1

I have working with others. I have get along with and accept supervision and administration. I am likely to do what I say I will do. I am likely to steal if no one is around or watching. I am likely to lie to get out of a situation. I am likely to be at the appointed place, and be there on time. I care about the quality of the work that I do. I can accept criticism from supervisors. I am jealous of people who have wealth and authority. I accept the blame for something I did. I care about my appearance and the impression that I convey. I feel like I have energy and enthusiasm. I have a positive view of the world, of society, of the future. I care about the feelings and welfare of others. I belief in the saying, “every man for themselves.“ I am likely to “blow off” something that is hard. I easily becoming “bored” or careless. I am likely to “stick with” a job that his difficult.

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I am happy with my life. I am willing to help others. I usually wait and think things through. I am likely to listen and follow directions. I care a lot about being popular. I believe in being assertive and taking what you can get. I believe that quality of my work is important. I tend to be critical of others. I tend to get angry when I make mistakes. I tend to be angry at other people’s mistakes. I would be a loyal employee. I feel that I deserve to have things that I want. I have a good relationship with my family. I think that training, education and schooling are important. I spend my free time wisely. I watch a lot of TV. Many things make me mad, that “push my buttons.” I like myself. I think I am as smart as most people.

Lets explore Attitude: Self-Report P2

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Intrapersonal Scales· Self-Regard · Emotional Self Awareness · Assertiveness · Independence

· Self-Actualization

Interpersonal Scales· Empathy · Social Responsibility · Interpersonal Relationship

Adaptability Scales· Reality Testing · Flexibility · Problem Solving

Stress Management Scales· Stress Tolerance · Impulse Control

General Mood Scales· Optimism

· Happiness

Elements of EQ (Emotional Intelligence)

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Your attitude is like a pair of sunglasses:It colors everything we see

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In today’s instructional environment, the term “soft skills” has replaced the term “attitude,” but they are the same thing. Most individuals who lose their job, will lose it because of attitude related issues.

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If you have not read this report, you should. Download a copy from the LD Project website at http://ldconsultants@mac.com and go to the “download files” section.

49Print this picture and give it to every student

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Learning Involves the Integration of All Three A’s

• Ability is a range of potential, how much

you could learn if everything else went

right.

• Achievement is a range of accomplishment,

how much you did learn using your ability

and attitude.

• Attitude is a critical control mechanism that

determines how much of your ability you

use and what skills you value enough to

acquire.

Abilities

Achievements

Attitudes

Learning always represents the interaction of all three factors.

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Illustrative Patterns

The patterns that follow illustrate combinations of characteristics that you are likely to encounter. The profiles were drawn from direct experience but do not represent any single individual.

There are no “pure” profiles, because variability in the hundreds of characteristics within each “A” result in an unlimited number of manifestations.

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Ab Ac

At

Weak Ability, Below AverageAchievement and High Motivation

AW

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- M

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m -

Str

ong

53

54

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Ab AcAt

Average Ability, Low Achievement, Good Motivation

BW

eak

- M

ediu

m -

Str

ong

55

27

Ab Ac At

Low Ability, Low Achievement, PoorAttitude

CW

eak

- M

ediu

m -

Str

ong

56

28

Ab

AcAt

High Ability, Poor Achievement and SevereAttitude and Motivation Problems

DW

eak

- M

ediu

m -

Str

ong

57

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AbAc

At

Low Ability, ŅOverachieverÓ andStrong Motivation

EW

eak

- M

ediu

m -

Str

ong

58

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Ab

Ac

At

Learning DisabilityFW

eak

- M

ediu

m -

Str

ong

59

26

Ab

Ac

At

High Ability, Low Achievement,Good Motivation

G

Wea

k -

Med

ium

- S

tron

g

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Closing Questions

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Is ability a guarantee of success in academic achievement?

No•Some individuals have abilities in areas that do not translate well into academic proficiency as measured by school success. •Some individuals have ability, but because of specific underlying learning difficulties they fail to achieve well in traditional educational settings.•Some individual do not value academic and expend their energies in other areas.

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Is ability a guarantee of success?

No, we can all think of individuals we know who “are so intelligent” yet they never seem to succeed or they fail to seize opportunities. While it helps to have ability, having it is no guarantee of success.

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Is attitude an important factor in learning?

Absolutely•“Attitude” refers to a variety of processes that can be the most important determiners of success.

•Think of attitude as a pair of glasses, that color everything that the student sees. It is not reality that they see, it is reality tinted by their glasses.

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Ability Achievement

Attitude

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AbilityWhat you can do

AchievementWhat you did do

AttitudeWhat you want to do

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AbilityWhat you can do

Potential

AchievementWhat you did doAccomplishment

AttitudeWhat you want to do

Desire

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And the most important thing to remember!

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Thank You for AttendingFor more information or to comment on this presentation, contact:

Richard C. Gacka Ed.D.rcgacka@stairwaysbh.org

(814) 878-2005Visit our web site at

http://web.mac.com/ldconsultantsfor additional Professional Development Materials