Motivational Interviewing and School Improvement February 19, 2009

Motivational Interviewing (MI) principles offer an effective and efficient way of communicating with students who are not working up to their potential. MI was developed specifically to help people deal with ambivalence, i.e., simultaneous conflicting feelings toward a person or thing.

Many students experience ambivalence about school, teachers, studying, relationships, and themselves. They want to be successful, but can’t find the time to study or don’t want to be seen as “bookish” by their friends. They have doubts and questions, but may resent being “helped” by a well-meaning adult. They can easily become “stuck,” knowing inside that they would be better off if they changed their behaviors, but having “good reasons” for not doing so.

The principles of Motivational Interviewing introduced and applied in this workshop, designed specifically for educators, can help students commit to change and take actions necessary to improve their performance in school. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to

* Describe what MI is about and why it can be effective in school improvement
* Explain how MI applies specifically to their work situation
* Communicate effectively using MI principles

Official Website: http://learningconnections.org/clc/workshops/2009/feb19/index.htm