Difficulty with Initiation

Signs:

• Has trouble getting started
• Appears disinterested

What to do:

• Help learners develop a structured daily routine
• Provide specific choices for daily tasks (would you like to do A or B?)
• Simplify tasks - break tasks down into simple steps and complete one step at a time
• Encourage the use of a notebook or calendar and set specific deadlines for tasks to be completed
• Praise individuals when they get started without assistance

Difficulty Carrying Out a Plan of Action

Signs:

• Lack of follow-through with a task
• Difficulty in planning a sequence of tasks
• Appear disorganized

What to do:

• Provide a clear and detailed explanation of an activity before starting
• Begin with small, realistic projects (i.e. find skills and knowledge required for the job they are pursuing - short order cook)
• Include learners in planning the activity (i.e. where, how, when and who will get the information)
• Ask learners to verbally repeat the task to be done to ensure understanding
• Break down new or complex tasks into several easier steps (i.e. to address where to get information, both the internet and local employment centre were identified - so steps to connect with each resource will need to be identified)
• Have learners write down the sequence of steps to the task
• Encourage learners to refer to their plan, and check off each task as it is completed
• Repeat and explain the sequence of activities as needed
• Keep abrupt changes to a minimum
• Encourage learners to "stop and think"
• Allow extra time for learners to complete tasks