Download Module 1, Unit 2

Assisting Students with
Disabilities:
A Training Program for
Paraeducators
Module 1, Unit 2:
Communication
&
Teamwork Skills
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #1
Unit Two:
Instructional Objectives
Participants will:
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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 #2
Unit Overview
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Introduction
Interpersonal Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
General Communication
Skills
Communication Skills for
Paraeducators
Closing
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #3
Interpersonal Skills
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Knowledge & behavior that
helps us relate well to others
Examples:
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Making introductions
Starting a conversation
Expressing feelings clearly
Making appropriate complaints
Dealing with group pressure
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #4
Interpersonal Skills
(cont.)
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Appreciating Diversity –
openness toward people who
are different from you
People of different . . .
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Age, gender, ethnicity
Ability level (for example,
students with disabilities)
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Treat them as you treat others
“Person First” language
Value systems
Learning styles
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #5
Problem-Solving Skills
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Systematic approach to
resolving interpersonal
conflicts
5-step process:
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
1)
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #6
General
Communication Skills
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Two main components:
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Clearly-stated messages
about your thoughts & feelings
Accurately received messages
from others
Three general categories of
communication:
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Non-Assertive (Passive)
Aggressive
Positive/Assertive
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #7
General
Communication Skills
(cont.)
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“You Messages”
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Deny responsibility
Give over control
Elicit negative reactions
Alternative: “I Messages”
Three Parts to an “I
Message”
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Feeling
Situation
Reason
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #8
General
Communication Skills
(cont.)
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Being receptive to others –
“Active listening”
Three suggestions:
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
1)
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #9
Communication Skills
for Paraeducators
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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 #10
Communication Skills
for Paraeducators (cont.)
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Teacher & para should learn
about one another
Teaching style
2) Use of teaching materials
3) Supervisory style
4) Behavior management
strategies
1)
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Learn about the other
members of your team
Develop effective working
relationships with your team
members
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #11
Communication Skills
for Paraeducators (cont.)
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Teachers & paras should try
to build a good working
relationship
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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 #12
Communication Skills
for Paraeducators (cont.)
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Problematic ways to
communicate with students
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Ordering, commanding
Warning, threatening
Moralizing, preaching
Advising
Lecturing
Judging, criticizing
Name-calling
Analyzing
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #13
Communication Skills
for Paraeducators (cont.)
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Positive ways to
communicate with students
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Active Listening
Good Non-Verbals
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Posture
Eye contact
Facial expression
Distance
Distracting behaviors
Voice quality
Convey Acceptance
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #14
Communication Skills
for Paraeducators (cont.)
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Talking with students about
individual differences
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Don’t:
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Scold
Ignore
Deny/evade
Do:
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Understand the question
Correct any misinformation
Give appropriate amount of
concise, accurate information
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #15
Communication Skills
for Paraeducators (cont.)
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Build effective relationships
with students
Teach them interpersonal,
problem-solving, &
communication skills by
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SHOWING (example)
TELLING
(describing/discussing)
REINFORCING
(noticing/rewarding them)
Module 1, Unit 2,
Transparency #16