My work on cognitive diversity is inspired by interactions with students, clients, and the broader public. Please use the contact form at the bottom of the page to submit a question or case study.

 

Example questions that were turned into lessons:

  • How can we learn to make decisions that must be made even when all of the information we would like isn’t available to us, or our success is not guaranteed? This is a non-issue academically, however, I believe it’s important to discuss the topic to avoid codependency, and instead, build up confidence + the skill of taking reasonable risks, and do so gracefully even outside the academic sphere.
  • I’ve been let into a number of elite programs and activities, but I honestly don’t know why. I only see what I can’t do and haven’t done. It seems like everyone else is having a good time or feeling special, but I just feel frozen. What can I do if I never feel good about what I’ve done?
  • My student’s school report was very good, but all of her teachers said they needed to encourage her to speak up and voice her opinion. She has so much to offer but seems to keep it to herself. A couple of them also mention her potential leadership skills if only she would share ideas more. Can you help her identify times when it is good to speak up?
  • What are the pros and cons involved in having a lot of options and being good at several things?
  • What is neurodiversity? When is “being different” a good thing? How could seeing the world differently benefit the creative process?
  • How can I make sure my student understands good leaders don’t consider others as less than (for lack of better words) and recognize how not to be a show-off? When is “leadership” not called for (i.e. when you are not the teacher/coach etc., when you are with a group that can benefit more only from collaboration)?
  • How can I teach my student that even when they know someone is wrong, they may have to wait for an appropriate time/place to discuss why? 
  • Can you teach my profoundly gifted student how to set goals by breaking goals into smaller bits or to-do lists, and holding the self accountable over time? It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by these concepts and it’s hard to accomplish anything without some kind of planning. I struggle with this myself so I am not great at teaching my kids! 

Case Studies:

Are you a past student or client? Have you implemented lessons and applied information from my classes? Are you a reader who has used this information to make your life more meaningful? I want to hear your story. Please submit a case study for potential use in future blog posts, classes, interviews, media, etc. How much you share and whether you want to remain anonymous is completely up to you. 

I really appreciate your participation.

Thank you!

– Michelle Ptacek

 

Posted in Ask a Question/Submit a Case Study, Class Resources, DYS Homerooms Resources
Michelle Ptacek in a brown sweater smiles in front of a framed floral picture and globe. Her head is slightly tilted away from camera.
Michelle Ptacek - Educator, Writer, Presenter
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