Recently I was reminded of this strategy for helping students move on from unhelpful ways of behaving.
Often, telling someone "Do not behave this way in future" is not all that helpful, even if it is a good idea. Behaviour is often a well established pattern and more productive ways of responding may not be obvious.
Change is often about replacing old ways of doing things with new ways. But human beings are not devices - we don't have switches. So our old ways and new ways will have to co-exist for a while.
Many students need support to identify possible and new better ways of responding to difficult situations. And they may need encouragement to try new ways.
After choosing a possible new way, it can be very helpful to check with such a student from time to time:
- "How are things?
- "Had a chance to use your New Way?
- "How did it go?
- "So what next?...
The strategy promotes options for students to choose when they respond. It also helps develop insight and courage* in the student and changes the role of tutor or teacher from controller to coach and supporter.
[* Most problematic behaviour starts with the 'offender' experiencing fear in some form]
Meaningful blog on Social and Emotional Learning .
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