Teachers enrolled in this course will...

Know

• the definition and theory behind the solution-focused approach based on the solution-focused brief therapy theory
• the advantages of implementing the solution-focused approach
• specific skills, strategies and techniques to improve communication and classroom management using the solution-focused approach

Understand

• the basic tenets of the solution-focused approach
• several key solution-focused specific skills, strategies, and techniques
• how communication between teacher and students, parents, colleagues, and community members can improve by applying solution-focused principles
• that students are more likely to "feel heard" and will want to engage when solution-focused rather than problem-focused interventions are in place

and Be Able To

• speak solution-focused rather than problem-focused language
• implement specific solution-focused skills, strategies and techniques to improve communication
• improve classroom management by implementing the solution-focused rather than problem-focused approach
• engage students more effectively by using solution-focused language, skills, and strategies during teacher-student interactions
• build more positive professional relationships with parents because of the shift from problem to solution-focused communication