Click to read more about this training, in which we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. Course Category Inclusion Parents and Carers Behaviour and relationships Problem Solving Description In this training we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. ‘Family Circles’ is an evolving new approach to problem solving with families and is based on our years of family work and the development and use of the Circle of Adults process. Inspired by our own Parent Solutions work and the Circle of Adults process as well as Family Group Conferencing and other Restorative Interventions we bring you Family Circles. Essentially the approach involves gathering a family together for a process that is facilitated but majors on the family members offering each other their wisdom and ideas. The approach is capacity focused, person centred approach to working with families rather than the dominant deficit oriented and ‘medical model’ of viewing and planning for or doing things to families. This training can be modelled with a group of professionals or better still with a family. In our work with families we develop the importance of naming stories or theories and seeking linkages and synthesis between what is found out and explored about the family situation and its history. We like participants to sit with the uncertainty, to reflect on the question ‘why’ but without judgement of each other. Deeper reflections may span a whole range of perspectives from ‘within person’ considerations, to situational or systemic possibilities. Health or emotional issues can be reflected on alongside organisational or transactional aspects of what is going on for the family. The better the shared understanding the better the strategy or actions which emerge from these meetings. Quality hypotheses with a close fit to reality lead to more effective implementation in the real world. We encourage ‘loose’ thinking, a search for connections, deeper listening, an ‘open mind’, speculation and exploration without moral judgements. From this stance self-reflection as well as reflection on the situation can produce remarkable insights. The quality of theories or new stories generated is directly influenced by family members’ experiences and the models of learning, behaviour and emotion, systems, educational development, change and so on that they have been exposed to. Learning Objectives To provide opportunities for: Shared problem solving in a safe exploratory climate in which the family will find its own solutions. Individuals to reflect on their own actions and strategies An exploration of whole-family processes and their impact Emotional support and shared understandings of issues at a child, parent, family, school and community level. Feed back to each other on issues, ideas and strategies that are agreed to be worth sharing with them. Who Is It For? Anyone interested in working with families in a way that builds and makes use of their capacities rather than focus on their challenges and difficulties. Social Care teams School staff Community organisers Educational Psychologists Course Content True family empowerment Deepening shared stories and understandings Facilitating groups Problem solving process Handling family group communication Allowing direct feedback and challenge between participants in a safe way Building relationships Process: Family members are welcomed: Introductions are carried out, ground rules and aims clarified whilst coffee is drunk. A recap from the last session is carried out: To follow up developments and reflections after the last meeting. One issue is selected for the main focus Issue presentation: The family member who raised the concern is asked questions to tell the ‘story’ of the issue or problem. Additional questions/information from the group about the problem are gathered: Ground rules may need to be observed carefully here. Individual participants need to be kept focused and prevented from leaping to premature conclusions or to making ‘helpful’ suggestions about strategy. Relationship aspects to the problem are explored. Metaphors and analogies are invited. How would a fly on the wall see your relationship? If you were alone together on a desert island, what would it be like? Impact of previous relationships/spillage from one relationship to another are explored. Eg what situation they are reminded of? For instance, does this situation remind you of any of those angry but helpless feelings you had with your other son when he was an adolescent? This provides opportunities to reflect on how emotions rub off on other people. The parent feels really frustrated, and on reflection we can see that so does the child System/Organisation factors (Family system/school and community systems and so on): What aspects help or hinder the problem? For instance, does the pastoral system of the local school provide space, or time and skilled personnel able to counsel this young person and work actively with their parents? Synthesis. At this stage the Graphic facilitator summarises what they have heard. They then go on to describe linkages and patterns in what they have heard. This can be very powerful. The person doing the graphic work has been able to listen throughout the presentation process and will have been struck by strong messages, emotions and images as they have arisen. The story and meaning of what is happening in the situation may become a little clearer at this point. Typical links may be ‘mirrored emotions’ strong themes such as loss and separation issues, or repeated processes such as actions triggering rejection. This step provides an excellent grounding for the next process of deepening understanding. What alternative strategies/interventions are open to be used? Brainstormed and recorded. ’Either/ors’ need to be avoided at this time also. This needs to be a shared session in which the family member who is presenting the concern contributes as much as anyone. Care is needed to ensure that this person is not overloaded with other people’s strategies. The final selection of strategy or strategies from the brainstormed list is the problem presenter’s choice. Strategies might include: a special time for the young person, a meeting with the child’s parents to explore how she is being managed at home and to share tactics, a home-school diary, counselling, or an agreed action plan that all are aware of, agreed sanctions and rewards and so forth. Strategies may productively involve processes of restitution and restoration, when ‘sorry’ is not enough. Making it right, rather than punishments or rewards, may then becomes the focus. First Steps. The problem presenter is finally asked to agree one or two first steps which they can carry out over the next 3-7 days. It can help to assign a ‘coach’ who will check in with them to ensure they have carried out the action they have named. This is a time to be very specific. Steps should be small and achievable. The person is just ‘making a start’. A phone call, or making an agreement with a key other person not present at the meeting would be ideal examples. Final reflections. Sometimes referred to as a ‘round of words’ help with closure for all involved. Reflections are on the process not the problem. In large families this is best done standing in a circle. In smaller groups all can remain sitting. Passing around a ‘listening stick’ or something similar such as a stone or light heighten the significance of the process ending and improve listening. Finally the problem presenter is handed the ‘Graphic’ this is their record of the meeting and can be rolled and presented ceremoniously by the facilitators for maximum effect! If you liked this course you may well like: Parent Solutions
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A virtual sales training programme aimed at enhancing the skills of the salesperson to have engaging customer conversations which open opportunities and close more business.
This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work in Primary and Secondary schools and Academies, as well as Early Years, FE and adult settings and is both a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and people of all ages. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Early Years Inclusion Description This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work in schools and other settings and is both a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and young people of all ages. Not just another day on ‘Behaviour Management’ – our ‘Fresh Approaches to Behaviour and Relationships’ day goes well beyond a rewards and sanctions approach to ‘behaviour’. We will be focused on those young people for whom rewards and punishments do not always work and who confuse the adults who work with them. We aim to take a relationships based approach and to give those attending an opportunity to think more deeply about why young people do the things they do and what our part as adults is in creating, sustaining and changing these behaviours. The day gives those present opportunities to reflect on their attitudes and practice in relation to children’s behaviour and relationship building. If your usual approaches to managing behaviour aren’t working with particular individuals then take a tour through this range of cutting edge strategies for bringing about positive behaviour change, and for meeting challenging emotional needs. Testimonials ‘Thank you so much for the excellent training day you delivered last week. I found the whole experience quite uplifting and inspirational.’ ‘Thought provoking and empowering. Probably the best training day we’ve had in school’ ‘There was already evidence on the first day of school for pupils that staff were adopting a different approach. Thank you so much for helping us to make a difference.’ ‘Today has to have been one of the very best INSET days I have personally been to – full of practical tips and techniques to use in the classroom; and also proof that this approach does work in practice. It really was inspirational and an excellent start to the term.’ ‘Very motivating and exciting course.’ ‘Another fantastic Colin and Derek training session’ ‘Enjoyed this course very much. Derek and Colin worked very hard and I understood it. Thank you.’ Learning Objectives Reinforce and affirm good practice Re-energise, stimulate and challenge thinking about inclusion of challenging young people and children Increased understanding about behaviour and emotions Increased confidence in managing challenging pupils in childcare settings mainstream schools Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on behaviour problems Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards families and children and young people Learn new skills and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For ? Primary and secondary staff teams All Childcare Providers – Out of School club staff/Childminders/Youth Workers Early years and school based practitioners Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary teachers Year Managers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course answers the questions: Are there any new ways to include our most challenging young people? Should we focus on behaviour or relationships? How do we go about including high profile children or young people? Can we find an alternative to exclusion? What would a relationship policy look like? The following are some of the key themes and tools we are likely to explore during the day Getting the welcome right for the most challenging Encouraging – getting the best from the most challenging- Circle of Courage – belonging-achievement-generosity – independence Active listening – Listening to the person underneath the behaviour Compass of Shame – which directions do children and young people head when they feel shame? And what helps children work through these feelings in more healthy ways? Involving other children and young people in solutions and interventions – Circles of friends: peer support, counselling and mediation Team Problem Solving – Solution Circles: a 30 minute group problem solving process to get Teams ‘unstuck’ and to generate positive first action steps Circle of Adults: a process that ‘listens deeper’ to generate reflective problem solving creating lasting behaviour change and effective behaviour intervention plans. A particularly valuable process for those looking to enhance their leadership and facilitation skills Restorative justice and restitution: principles and practice of this approach to repairing harm and restoring relationships without reliance on punishment Understanding the effects of Separation, Loss, Trauma and Neglect on children’s learning and relationships in school and what adults can do to reach and support these children
Mastering Critical Conversations: In-House Training We will explore various obstacles to delivering 'challenging' messages effectively, including those that come from the external environment as well as those we encounter internally. After gaining insight into the brain science behind the biology of conflict and emotion, we will then examine a 5-step framework for delivering difficult messages. Paired and small group activities comprise a large portion of this interactive course, which culminates in a role play. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Recognize how a perceived threat by the brain translates into a physiological response of fight, flight, or freeze Utilize various techniques to mitigate an 'amygdala hijack' state Leverage a 5-step model to deliver 'challenging' news effectively Managing Difficult Conversations Obstacles to managing difficult conversations Understanding human nature Brain Science and the Biology of Emotion The unique challenge of social and emotional learning The limbic system and the amygdala hijack Self-regulation strategy for the amygdala hijack Delivering Challenging Messages Managing difficult conversations 5 steps for delivering a challenging message Verbal active listening techniques Preparing to deliver a challenging message (scenarios) Conversations Involving Emotion and Conflict Two types of conflict Spectrum of responses to conflict Psychological type preferences and conflict Creating an action plan
Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours Overview The Coaching And Mentoring focuses on how to better coach your employees to higher performance. Coaching is a process of relationship building and setting goals. How well you coach is related directly to how well you are able to foster a great working relationship with your employees through understanding them and strategic goal setting. You are in your office looking over your performance report and it happened again. Your low performing employee failed to meet quota this month even after you spoke with them about the importance of meeting goals. This employee has a great attitude and you know they can do better. You just do not know how to motivate them to reach the goal. Money used to work, but that has worn off. You are baffled and you know being frustrated makes matters worse. What do you do? 1 - Defining Coaching and Mentoring Defining mentoring Defining what coaching is and is not Elements of coaching Factors for success Critical Coaching Skills 2 - Coaching Assessment Individual coaching assessment Reflection and discussion of results 3 - Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal communication skills Open and closed questions Probing techniques and process Active listening 4 - Setting Goals with SPIRIT Identifying Values Identifying Dreams Setting S.P.I.R.I.T. goals 5 - Learning Styles and Principles Three learning styles Adult learning principles 6 - The Coaching Model Components of the coaching model Coaching model characteristics Giving effective feedback 7 - Bringing It All Together Coaching skills reinforcement Case studies
Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for Professionals who want to make the best decisions and develop creative and elegant solutions to challenging problems will benefit from this course. Overview Enable you to evaluate, identify, and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information Engage critical thinking through curiosity and your ability to ask good questions Apply the eight best practices of critical thinking in practice Leverage open-mindedness to become more receptive and highly tuned for new ideas Students will learn to explore challenges, defy incorrect assumptions, and look at things with new and differing perspectives, incorporating these insights into your thought processes, and enabling them to find solutions to even the most difficult tasks. Private classes on this topic are available. We can address your organization?s issues, time constraints, and save you money, too. Contact us to find out how. 1. The Challenges of Modern Thinking Becoming a Rational Thinker Critical Thinking in Application Applying Reason Developing Open-Mindedness Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Avoiding Jumping to Conclusions Expecting and Initiating Change Being Ready to Adapt Thinking Logically 2. Critical Thinking Best Practices Listening Actively Evaluating Information Making Assumptions Watching Out for Bias Asking Clarifying Questions Performing SWOT Analysis Benefitting from Critical Thinking 3. Putting It All Together Changing Your Perspective Considering Other Viewpoints Dealing with New Information Solving Problems Identifying Inconsistencies Asking Why Evaluating the Solution Retaining Your New Skills Reflecting and Learning from Mistakes Asking Questions on an Ongoing Basis Additional course details: Nexus Humans Thinking with Critical Insight training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Thinking with Critical Insight course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.
This General English tutoring course is designed for adult learners who want to improve their overall English language proficiency. Participants will focus on developing their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a variety of everyday contexts. Through interactive activities, discussions, and authentic materials, learners will gain confidence and fluency in using English for both social and practical purposes. Course Duration: 12 weeks (48 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Communicate confidently and effectively in English in various everyday situations. 2. Expand vocabulary and improve language accuracy. 3. Develop listening skills to understand different accents and speech patterns. 4. Enhance reading comprehension skills for various types of texts. 5. Write accurately and coherently for different purposes. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction to General English - Introduction to course objectives, expectations, and methodology - Assessment of participants' current language proficiency and individual learning goals - Overview of key language skills and areas of focus Week 2: Speaking and Conversation Skills - Developing oral communication skills for everyday conversations - Role-plays and discussions on common topics and situations - Enhancing fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary in spoken English Week 3: Vocabulary Expansion - Expanding general vocabulary and idiomatic expressions - Exercises and activities to reinforce and practice new words and phrases - Incorporating vocabulary into oral and written communication Week 4: Grammar and Language Accuracy - Reviewing and reinforcing essential grammar rules and structures - Identification and correction of common errors in speaking and writing - Exercises and activities to improve language accuracy Week 5: Listening and Comprehension Skills - Developing listening skills to understand different accents and speech patterns - Authentic listening materials such as dialogues, podcasts, and videos - Strategies for understanding main ideas, details, and specific information Week 6: Reading and Comprehension Skills - Developing reading skills for different types of texts (articles, short stories, etc.) - Strategies for skimming, scanning, and understanding written information - Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and inferring meaning from context Week 7: Writing Skills: Emails and Messages - Improving writing skills for everyday correspondence (emails, messages, etc.) - Practice exercises for clarity, coherence, and appropriate tone - Polishing grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure in written communication Week 8: Writing Skills: Informal and Formal Writing - Developing writing skills for informal and formal purposes (letters, essays, etc.) - Techniques for organising ideas, supporting arguments, and expressing opinions - Practice exercises for clarity, coherence, and appropriate style in written communication Week 9: Pronunciation and Intonation - Developing clear and accurate pronunciation skills - Focus on individual sounds, stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns - Practice exercises and activities for improved spoken English Week 10: Everyday Practical English - Enhancing language skills for everyday practical situations (shopping, dining, etc.) - Role-plays and interactive exercises for real-life communication - Polishing conversational skills, expressions, and cultural understanding Week 11: Cultural Understanding and Communication - Understanding cultural nuances in English-speaking countries - Developing intercultural communication skills for effective interactions - Practising respectful and inclusive language in diverse environments Week 12: Review and Final Evaluation - Reviewing course content and addressing individual needs - Comprehensive review exercises for all language skills - Final evaluation and feedback session Note: This syllabus is a guideline and can be customised based on the specific needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include additional topics or activities to cater to learners' specific goals or areas of interest.