Stay@SchoolStay@SchoolThematic Area 2: CommunicationThematic Area 2: Communication

Introduction

Basic information about communication (I-messages, non verbal communication)

Rules for conducting a conversation with pupils and parents Process of a conversation Achievement of realistic aims Documentation and evaluation of the meeting

SectionsSections

Prevention: ways to avoid early school leaving Early intervention Preparing for conversations with pupils and parents Carrying out conversations After the conversation

PreventionPrevention

Attention and interest of the class teacher for pupils’ problems and absences

Promotion of a positive learning class climate An open, encouraging and friendly attitude of teacher towards

students Lessons that meet pupils’ needs Social integration of pupils by promoting group dynamics

Early interventionEarly intervention

A written or computerised attendance system Good lines of communication between school and parents Contacts between class teacher, single subjects teacher,

headmaster, school social workers and school psychologist.

Preparing for conversationsPreparing for conversationswith pupils and parentswith pupils and parents

Models to avoid misunderstandigs that could disturb communication:

Sender-Receiver Model by Schulz von Thun (2004)Transactional Analysis from Berne (1961)

Communication toolsCommunication tools

You can exercise communication trying to put the following theories into practice:

active listening I-messages giving and receiving feedback non verbal communication questioning techniques meta communication

Carrying out conversationsCarrying out conversationswih pupils and parentswih pupils and parents

There are six phases of a cooperative conversation:

preparation starting a conversation deepening the conversation/understanding the problem looking for solutions creation of an action plan finishing the conversation

Conflict managementConflict management

Behaviour Patterns by Lippmann (2004) Colleague Supervision by Mutzeck (2005) Responsible Thinking Process by Edward Ford(2004)

Reaching an agreementReaching an agreement

At the end of a conversation it is important to write down:

aims strategies consequences of achievement or failure

ExampleExample

The following example for goal setting focuses on the student. He/she can fill in this sheet on his own or together with a teacher. The aim is to prepare for a conversation about an education agreement with a

teacher and possibly with parents.

Student ________________________________________________ Time span for the agreement _______________________________

ExampleExample

Which goals do I want to reach within the agreed upon time span? Goal 1: ______________________________________________Goal 2: ______________________________________________

What can I do to reach the goals?Regarding goal 1: _____________________________________Regarding goal 2: _____________________________________

What can / should others do so that I can reach the goals?Regarding goal 1: _____________________________________Regarding goal 2: _____________________________________

After the conversationAfter the conversation

Decide whether the goals have been achieved or if they need a renegotiation

Don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance

Preparing for and organizing ofPreparing for and organizing ofcomeback to schoolcomeback to school

It’s highly important to prepare classmates on how to deal with a truant pupil who comes back to school

because a positive experience on the first day at school might counterbalance

the pupil’s previous negative experiences.

Teacher behaviourTeacher behaviour

Thimm (1998) comments as follows:

“ A first step to foster the attendance of a pupil in class is to take his statements seriously and to convey the acceptance of himself as a person. Therefore interrogations, cynical remarks or other types of exposure must be avoided. … It has to be communicated to the pupil how important he is for the class and the importance of what he has missed “

Early support in networkingEarly support in networking

Teachers cannot solve all the problems of difficult pupils, but should know who they can turn to.

Literature indicates that the cooperation with social workers within and beyond school is important in overcoming truancy.

Network can enable a fast dialogue in fighting early school leaving.

Thanks for your attention!Paola Fiammelli