Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #1 Assisting Students with Disabilities: A Training Program for Paraeducators Module 1, Unit 2: Communication & Teamwork Skills

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #2 Unit Two: Instructional Objectives Participants will: Understand the role of communication & teamwork skills Describe the skills taught in this unit Assess own skills Set personal goals & make progress toward improving skills

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #3 Unit Overview I. Introduction II. Interpersonal Skills III. Problem-Solving Skills IV. General Communication Skills V. Communication Skills for Paraeducators VI. Closing

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #4 Interpersonal Skills Knowledge & behavior that helps us relate well to others Examples: Making introductions Starting a conversation Expressing feelings clearly Making appropriate complaints Dealing with group pressure

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #5 Interpersonal Skills (cont.) Appreciating Diversity – openness toward people who are different from you People of different... Age, gender, ethnicity Ability level (for example, students with disabilities) Treat them as you treat others “Person First” language Value systems Learning styles

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #6 Problem-Solving Skills Systematic approach to resolving interpersonal conflicts 5-step process: 1) Describe the problem 2) Determine the causes of the problem 3) Decide on a goal & brainstorm solutions 4) Decide on a solution 5) Try it & see if it works

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #7 General Communication Skills Two main components: Clearly-stated messages about your thoughts & feelings Accurately received messages from others Three general categories of communication: Non-Assertive (Passive) Aggressive Positive/Assertive

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #8 General Communication Skills (cont.) “You Messages” Deny responsibility Give over control Elicit negative reactions Alternative: “I Messages” Three Parts to an “I Message” Feeling Situation Reason

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #9 General Communication Skills (cont.) Being receptive to others – “Active listening” Three suggestions: 1) Keep an open mind – Don’t let personal biases distort speaker’s message 2) Concentrate – ignore distractions & pay full attention 3) Become involved – Ask questions, summarize, & add information

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #10 Communication Skills for Paraeducators Specific communication issues for school staff Importance of communication & teamwork in education Valuable role played by paraeducators Accepting the teacher’s leadership

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #11 Communication Skills for Paraeducators (cont.) Teacher & para should learn about one another 1) Teaching style 2) Use of teaching materials 3) Supervisory style 4) Behavior management strategies Learn about the other members of your team Develop effective working relationships with your team members

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #12 Communication Skills for Paraeducators (cont.) Teachers & paras should try to build a good working relationship Meet regularly Discuss attitudes & feelings Understand your tasks Appreciate diversity Develop a shared vocabulary Develop non-verbal cues Work at having a positive climate

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #13 Communication Skills for Paraeducators (cont.) Problematic ways to communicate with students Ordering, commanding Warning, threatening Moralizing, preaching Advising Lecturing Judging, criticizing Name-calling Analyzing

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #14 Communication Skills for Paraeducators (cont.) Positive ways to communicate with students Active Listening Good Non-Verbals Posture Eye contact Facial expression Distance Distracting behaviors Voice quality Convey Acceptance

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #15 Communication Skills for Paraeducators (cont.) Talking with students about individual differences Don’t: Scold Ignore Deny/evade Do: Understand the question Correct any misinformation Give appropriate amount of concise, accurate information

Module 1, Unit 2, Transparency #16 Communication Skills for Paraeducators (cont.) Build effective relationships with students Teach them interpersonal, problem-solving, & communication skills by SHOWING (example) TELLING (describing/discussing) REINFORCING (noticing/rewarding them)