Motivating the Passive Learner Through Exploring His Social Skills

Abstract

The present action research investigates whether it is possible to improve the social skills of university students with the help of peers and the classroom teacher. In this study, mainly a qualitative approach, case study methodology is adopted, and a student’s social skills are analyzed by the researcher, who is the classroom teacher. A male student’s social skills are examined within a classroom context, within a real-life situation to decide whether it is possible for a teacher to improve the social skills of university students. Classroom observations, private chats, discussions and written classwork were used to collect data. In terms of methodology, the current research proceeded in four phases as selecting the student who needs training in certain social skills, identifying powerful reinforcers that will motivate the student to attempt the new behavior, specifically defining the targeted behavior to be taught, and the task analysis of the target behavior. The findings of the study reveal that teachers can contribute to the social skills of their students if they want to.