Barrier Identification Worksheet

Use this worksheet to analyze a student profile or classroom scenario and pinpoint obstacles to task completion. Complete each section thoughtfully and prepare to discuss your findings with colleagues.

1. Scenario Description

Briefly describe the student or classroom context you are analyzing (e.g., student background, task assigned, observable behaviors).

2. Barrier Identification

For each category below, identify possible barriers in your scenario.

a. Instructional Clarity

• What aspects of the instructions or expectations might be unclear or confusing?

b. Relevance & Engagement

• How might the student perceive the task’s relevance or interest level?

c. Feedback & Support

• Are there issues with feedback timing, specificity, or accessibility?

d. Skills & Confidence

• Does the student have the prerequisite skills and self-efficacy to complete the task?

e. Environmental & Behavioral Factors

• What external factors (e.g., seating, peer dynamics, distractions) or behavioral patterns might interfere?

3. Prioritizing Barriers

Which barrier category seems most significant for this scenario, and why?

4. Brainstorming Strategies

For the primary barrier you identified, propose strategies at different levels:

a. Individual Student Level
• Personalized supports or accommodations (e.g., checklists, choice)

b. Assignment Level
• Task redesign ideas (e.g., chunking, relevance connections, visual aids)

c. Classroom Level
• Whole-class structures or routines to reinforce completion (e.g., peer accountability, reward systems)

5. Action Planning

Outline next steps to implement your chosen strategies. Include collaborators and a timeline.

Materials referenced: Motivation Techniques Chart | Engaging Assignment Template Pack | Teacher Reflection Journal

Engaging Assignment Template Pack

Use these templates to quickly design assignments that address identified barriers and integrate motivational techniques. Choose or adapt any template to fit your context.

1. Choice Board Template

Purpose: Offers student choice and autonomy by selecting from varied tasks.

Instructions:

• Identify 6 learning tasks addressing the same objective
• Vary format, complexity, and skills used
• Allow students to pick 2–3 activities to complete

Example:

Your Turn:

• Learning Objective:
  
  
  
  
  
• Task Options:
  1. 
     
     
     
  2. 
     
     
     
  3. 
     
     
     
  4. 
     
     
     
  5. 
     
     
     
  6. 
     
     
     

2. Scaffolded Task Template

Purpose: Breaks complex assignments into manageable steps to build competence.

Instructions:

• Outline the main task goal
• Divide into sequential steps with clear instructions
• Include guiding questions or supports at each step

Example: (Research Report)

1. Topic Selection: Choose a research topic and write a 1-sentence rationale.
   
   Guiding Question: Why is this topic important?
   
   
2. Gather Sources: Find 3 credible sources and list citations.
   
   Support: Use library database handout
   
   
3. Outline: Draft a report outline with headings.
   
   
4. Draft: Write the introduction and one body paragraph.
   
   
5. Review & Edit: Swap drafts with a peer and give feedback.
   
   

Your Turn:

• Main Task Goal:
  
  
  
  
  
• Step 1:
  
  
  
  
  
• Step 2:
  
  
  
  
  
• Step 3:
  
  
  
  
  
• Step 4:
  
  
  
  
  
• Step 5:
  
  
  
  
  

3. Real-World Project Template

Purpose: Connects learning to authentic contexts to boost relevance.

Instructions:

• Frame a real-world challenge or question
• Define project objectives and student roles
• Outline deliverables, timeline, and assessment criteria

Example: (Community Environmental Survey)

• Project Brief: Design and conduct a survey on recycling habits in your neighborhood.
  
  
• Objectives: Learn survey design, data collection, and presentation skills.
  
  
• Student Roles: Survey Designer, Data Collector, Analyst, Presenter.
  
  
• Deliverables: Survey instrument, data report (graphs), slide presentation.
  
  
• Timeline: Week 1 – design; Week 2 – collect; Week 3 – analyze; Week 4 – present.
  
  
• Assessment: Rubric with criteria for design quality, data accuracy, clarity of presentation.

Your Turn:

• Real-World Scenario:
  
  
  
  
  
• Project Objectives:
  
  
  
  
  
• Roles & Deliverables:
  
  
  
  
  
• Timeline:
  
  
  
  
  
• Assessment Criteria:
  
  
  
  
  

Teacher Reflection Journal

Use this journal to solidify your learning, plan next steps, and anticipate supports needed to increase student task completion in your classroom.

1. Key Takeaways

What were the three most important insights or concepts you learned today?

2. Implementation Strategies

Which motivational techniques and assignment designs will you integrate into your teaching? List at least two, and describe how you will adapt them to your students’ needs.

3. Anticipated Challenges & Supports

For each strategy you plan to implement, identify potential barriers (e.g., time, resources, student readiness) and the supports you will seek (e.g., colleague collaboration, coaching, materials).

4. Action Plan & Timeline

Outline your next steps to put your strategies into practice. Include specific actions, collaborators (e.g., co-teacher, instructional coach), and a timeline for implementation and review.

5. Monitoring & Reflection

How will you monitor student task completion and evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions? What data will you collect, and how often will you reflect on progress?

Materials for reference: Barrier Identification Worksheet | Motivation Techniques Chart | Engaging Assignment Template Pack

Motivation Techniques Chart

Use these evidence-based strategies to boost student motivation and task completion. Review the definition, see an example, and consider implementation tips for classroom use.

How to Use This Chart:

• Identify one or two strategies that address your students’ barrier (e.g., low relevance → Real-World Relevance).
• Review the implementation tip and adapt it to your context.
• Combine techniques (e.g., Scaffolded Support + Immediate Feedback) for greater impact.

Materials for reference: Barrier Identification Worksheet | Engaging Assignment Template Pack | Teacher Reflection Journal