Unlocking Potential: How to Enhance Achievement in Special Education
In the realm of special education, the pursuit of achievement is a fundamental goal. As practitioners, we strive to help students reach their full potential while navigating various challenges. A recent research article titled "Achievement and Enhancement" provides valuable insights into how we can enhance our practices without compromising the essence of achievement.
The Argument Against Enhancement from Achievement
The research critically examines the argument that enhancing our capacities through biomedical means could threaten our achievements. This is known as the Argument against Enhancement from Achievement (AEA). The study explores three versions of this argument:
- Difficulty Reduction: Enhancement might make activities too easy, thus preventing them from qualifying as achievements.
- Causation Interference: Enhancement could interfere with the agent's ability to cause the product in the right way.
- Value Reduction: Achievements aided by enhancement might lack the properties that typically provide value.
The study argues that while strong readings of these arguments fail to establish that enhancement always interferes with achievement, weak readings show that enhancement might interfere but do not pose an unusual threat to achievement.
Implications for Special Education Practitioners
This research has significant implications for special education practitioners. Here are some ways to apply these insights:
- Balance Enhancement and Effort: While using tools like online therapy can enhance learning experiences, ensure that students still engage in challenging activities that foster genuine achievement.
- Cultivate Competent Causation: Encourage students to take ownership of their learning processes. This involves setting goals and developing strategies to achieve them, even when using enhancements like assistive technologies.
- Value-Based Achievements: Recognize and celebrate achievements that involve effort and skill development. This helps maintain the intrinsic value of accomplishments.
The Role of Online Therapy
TinyEYE's online therapy services can play a crucial role in enhancing achievement within special education. By addressing therapist shortages and providing consistent support, online therapy ensures that students receive timely interventions tailored to their unique needs. This approach aligns with maintaining a balance between enhancement and genuine achievement.
The Call for Further Research
The research encourages further exploration into how enhancements can be integrated into educational practices without diminishing the value of achievements. Practitioners are urged to remain informed about new developments and consider how they might apply these insights to improve student outcomes.
