More on Self-regulation

Since self-regulation was my Class Within a Class topic, one can't blame me for writing more on this topic. It's just very fascinating to me: especially since my self-regulatory skills aren't up to snuff (especially when I am in front of computer). In fact, the weekend before last my computer died on me: I know, I felt cold and put out! Fortunately, like any good geek, I have an old computer that I can fire up to satisfy my internet addiction (especially those political and technology blogs!). It actually ran really well after spending a lot of time tweaking it! For my dead computer, I decided to not replace the broken parts and start from scratch: I bought a new motherboard, processor, video card, power supply, and case. I really enjoy building my own computers and the new case I got is gorgeous (click here to check it out). Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that I was so distracted by not having my main computer that I got little or nothing done! And when my new computer was put together, I had to put it through its paces by playing it!

All of this reminds me of a website I found while putting together my self-regulation CWC presentation: it's a website for teachers who teach self-regulation to high aptitude students. Even though it's for grade school kids, I think anyone who has high aptitude but little self-regulatory skills could learn a bit! The Increasing Academic Achievement Study being conducted by The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented at the University of Connecticut put together this training module for teachers. Here's an example of a subsection of their "Study and Learning Strategies" module:

• Keep a homework book to record upcoming assignments, projects, tests, and events.
• Have a designated two pocket travel folder in which you label one side as "To Do" and the other as "Done." Keeping all your important notices and papers in one place saves you time.
• Create reminder checklists, one called "at school" and one "at home."
• Keep all handouts and papers in chronological order in your subject notebooks.
• Clean out your locker and bookbag on a regular basis (once a week is a good start).
• Pack your bookbag each night before you go to bed, making sure that you include all of your homework.
• At home, put your bookbag in the same place every day.

It may seem basic, but for anyone, these are all good suggestions! The "Time Management and Organization" module is also very good! I think as educators and students we need take a course/class in self-regulation: this includes those of us who have high aptitude but are distracted easily! I think as I get further into my study of IDLT, I'm going to have to really go over my time management and organizational strategies.