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. IntroductionII. Interpersonal SkillsIII. Problem-Solving SkillsIV. General

Communication SkillsV. Communication Skills

for ParaeducatorsVI. 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 problem2) Determine the causes of

the problem3) Decide on a goal &

brainstorm solutions4) Decide on a solution5) 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 another1) Teaching style2) Use of teaching materials3) Supervisory style4) 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)