PRESENTATIONS
Inclusive Education | Collaborative Behavioural Support | Friendship & Benevolence | Rethinking Disability
THE PERSON IS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THE PROBLEM! Collaborative Approaches to Behavioral Support
Responding to students we most commonly label as non-compliant, disruptive, or resistant can be frustrating, so it is understandable that teachers look for swift and efficient techniques to resolve the situations that arise. However, the majority of the current behavioral support programs locate the problem in the student and work from a “narrative of correction.” This perspective can inadvertently implant an “identity of inadequacy” and may make a difficult situation even worse.
Drawing on the divergent fields of hostage negotiation and narrative therapy, Emma Van der Klift and Norman Kunc explore alternative ways of perceiving “difficult behavior.” They will show how adopting alternative narratives that take into account the interactive nature of the educational relationship can help to normalize these situations and open up more opportunities to build upon the student’s existing resilience and foster more collaborative and helpful ways of interacting with the student.
Type of Presentation: Workshop
Length of Session: 75 - 180 minutes
Max. Audience Size: Unlimited
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“Dear Norman and Emma,
Just a note of appreciation for your presentations to the Partner Institute in Texas. You have an incredible ability to teach difficult lessons and impart values with sincerity and gentleness…and with humour. I have an added appreciation for your years of study, effort and the life experiences that have so masterfully prepared you.
I feel fortunate, indeed, that our paths crossed and will never forget the impact that you had on my heart and mind. May your influence translate in my actions in my family and community.
I also treasure the message of the “Credo for Support” video. The posters were the best teachers’ gifts to date. Thank-you for making them available and affordable. Keep doing the good stuff.
Come Back Soon! ”
TALK TO ME: What Educators (and Others) can Learn about De-escalation from Hostage Negotiators
Hostage negotiators must quickly establish trust, build rapport, and foster collaboration in extreme crisis situations. The skills they use to help people to de-escalate can be helpful for those of us trying to support or intervene with someone who is upset or experiencing a crisis.
After spending a year interviewing prominent hostage negotiators from all over North America, Emma summarizes the relational, non-coercive approaches negotiators use and suggests how teachers, support workers, or parents can use these ideas not only to help the person we are supporting to de-escalate, but also to help de-escalate ourselves.
Participants will learn:
• The importance of relationship building, and how it isn’t as time consuming as we may think
• Why self-management is a critical skill
• The importance of face-saving
• Why “Dynamic Inactivity” isn’t the same as doing nothing
Type of Presentation: Keynote or Workshop
Length of Session: 75 minutes to 3 hours
Max. Audience Size: Unlimited
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PRESENTATIONS
IInclusive Education | Collaborative Behavioural Support | Friendship & Benevolence | Rethinking Disability