ASSERTIVENESS

A workshop for teachers

Lic. Mariana Porta

WHY WOULD TEACHERS NEED IT?

The teaching profession requires interaction at many levels. Assertive behavior improves the quality and effectiveness of the interaction.

IN AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

CLASSROOM CONTEXT giving feedback keeping discipline supporting your choices setting expectations

INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT teacher -- parent teacher -- student teacher -- colleague teacher -- supervisor teacher -- staff member

WHAT IS TRUE ABOUT ASSERTIVENESS?

yes
It is a personal quality. It is a kind of behavior. It is specific to a person in a situation. It is a universal principle. It is based on free will.

Mini Quiz

no

DEFINTION 1

Assertiveness is a kind of behavior. It is specific to a person in a situation. It is based on free will. It is socially effective. It is culture-dependent.

TASK 1

You are in a queue at the movie theater. Somebody comes in and jumps the queue right in front of you. What do you choose to do?
Nothing. You just bear it. Vent comments out loud such as some people are such/so . but you dont face the person. Face the guy bluntly and furiously, after all who does he think he is? Approach the man and politely but firmly tell him that he should take his turn at the end of the line. Other

ASSERTIVENESS DEFINITION 2
Assertiveness

is defined as behavior which enables people to act in their own best interest by expressing their thoughts, feelings, desires and opinions directly, honestly and appropriately.

ASSERTIVENESS DEFINITION 3
Assertiveness

is standing up for your rights while respecting the rights of others.

ADVANTAGES OF BEHAVING ASSERTIVELY

Respecting yourself and others Developing healthy relationships Giving others a chance to change their behavior Feeling better about yourself Preventing conflict Defending basic human rights

SOME BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

10.

The right to be treated with dignity and respect The right to reject requests without feeling guilty The right to experience and express feelings. The right to stop and think before acting. The right to change an opinion. The right to ask for what you need. The right to do less than you are able to do. The right to be independent. The right to decide over your own body and property. The right not to behave assertively.

RIGHTS

BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

Rights all human beings have

RIGHTS GIVEN BY THE ROLE

Rights a person has as part of his/her role attributions.

BIDIRECTIONAL MODEL
OVERT

EXPRESSION

ASSERTIVE

AGGRESSIVE

PASSIVE

PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE
COERCION

NO COERCION

COVERT EXPRESSION

PASSIVE BEHAVIOR
Passiveness

is having respect for other's rights while having no respect for your own. Ex. denial, isolation

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
Getting

what you want with no regard to the rights of others.

Ex. Verbal offense, threat, hostile comments

PASSIVE AGRESSIVE
It

is having no respect for anyone's rights. Ex. Sarcasm, malicious comments, rumor, manipulation, double messages.

Task 2

Chart with alternative forms of behavior

Read Classify examples.

Why would someone not be assertive?

Cultural differences. Positive reward to nonassertive behavior. Irrational Beliefs and Ideas Roadblocks or Myths

ABC

Cognitive Model

ABC MODEL THE B BEHIND BEHAVIOR (I)

Spiders bite people Spiders can kill Spiders are powerful Spiders are quick You never know when a spider can bite you. This spider could come after me.

THE B BEHIND BEHAVIOR (II)

ABC Cognitive Model

A
stimulus

B
mental process

C
overt behavior

THE B BEHIND BEHAVIOR (III)

It may contain roadblocks to assertive behavior:
I must avoid making questions or statements that will make me look stupid or ignorant. If I assert myself in any relationship others will get mad at me. If I say I dont agree my supervisor will think I am not being supportive

Task 3.

Roadblocks to assertive behavior

Read these roadblocks to assertive behavior and think of their assertive counterpart.

ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE IN THE CLASSROOM

Dismiss the thought that there is any acceptable reason for misbehavior . Decide which rules you wish to implement. Determine negative consequences for noncompliance. Determine positive consequences for appropriate behavior.

TEACHER TALK

"Tish, I like the way you raised your hand before speaking. Ana, please start putting your project away. It's been five minutes since I asked you to clean up. "I give up. If this group doesn't want to listen, its your problem, not mine."

Body language as related to assertive behavior:

1. Eye contact and facial expression: Maintain direct eye contact, appear interested and alert, but not angry. 2. Posture: Stand or sit erect, possibly leaning forward slightly. 3. Distance and contact: Stand or sit at a normal conversational distance from the other.

Body language as related to assertive behavior:

4. Gestures: Use relaxed, conversational gestures. 5. Voice: Use a factual, not emotional tone of voice. Sound determined and full of conviction, but not overbearing. 6. Timing: Choose a time when both parties are relaxed. A neutral site is best.

ETHICS: JUDGEMENT: What is the right thing to do? ASSERTIVNESS: BEHAVIOR

What is the assertive way of acting?

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION

How will I communicate my ideas so that I am understood?