My professor, Barry Bratton at the University of Iowa always wanted us to think about the “WIIFMs” when we designed instruction. “WIIFM” stands for What’s in it for Me??? It is pronounced “wiff-em.” I thought about that when I read fellow classmate (Jim’s) posting on our class discussion board. He was relating to us a story about a young nephew trying to tie his shoelaces. It was not until his father let him see the consequences of NOT tying them, that he saw the relevance of his learning. How often is it that we just assume everyone has that “WIIFM.”
Now, if we could figure out a “WIIFM” for potty-training a 3-year old… I would be forever in your debt!!!!