1) What do you think he means by ‘learner capacity’?

Learner capacity means the power of a person’s learning ability. Learning capacity can be increase or decrease, it can be affected by different factors.  For example, the external forces, internal resources and the state of the mind of the person can affect his/her learning capacity.

 2) What cultural attitudes does he want to challenge?

 The belief that children with special needs and disabilities are as a result of demons, others as a result of curses and bad omens.  The belief that some of these disabilities are contagious. Parents and people in the African society think that if they put these children together with other children and let them learn together, then, there would be a problem with the kids without disabilities.

 3) What practical steps do you think teachers can take to challenge the notion of ‘fixed intelligence’?

Students who hold steadfast to ‘fixed intelligence’ are mainly concerned with how smart they are. They prefer tasks they can already do well and avoid ones on which they may make mistakes and not look smart. In contrast, students who believe in an "expandable" or "growth" theory of intelligence want to challenge themselves to increase their abilities, even if they fail at first.

Teachers can:

a) Observe

b) Talk to the child about the challenges he/she may face.

c) Help the student get the necessary help via ‘Student Support Services.’

d) Use the Wave Model Interventions to help the student.

e) Challenge the student to give off his/her best.

f) Set tasks which are of an appropriate standard.

g) Praise students to build their self-esteem.