Dealing with Difficult Learners

Course Summary

Teachers find some pupils difficult to teach. They seem unable to make use of the learning environment and the teacher. These pupils may have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties; may be de-motivated and disengaged from learning; may be withdrawn and uncommunicative; or may already be diagnosed with a special educational need such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.) This course will look at why these learners cause difficulties for teachers and how we can develop a better understanding of the underlying reasons for their behaviour.

What are the key course contents?

• What is a difficult learner and why do we find them difficult?
• Emotional Literacy and its relevance to the classroom
• Early attachment patterns and their relevance to learning
• Psycho-analytical theories of Bion and Winnicott and their relevance for teachers
• The effects of trauma and loss on learning
• The effects of family crises on learning; domestic violence; abuse and neglect; parental addiction and/or mental illness
• Overcoming and unblocking learning blocks and limiting beliefs
• Developing rapport and effective communication
• Dealing with conflict
• Recognising and working with different learning styles
• Behaviour Management techniques
• Behaviour Change techniques
• Developing different ways of assessing pupils
• Classroom activities: story writing and reading; use of drawings and metaphors; use of play and drama.

Expected results
As a result of attending this course, the participants will be more knowledgeable, confident and fluent users of English.

Is this the right course for me?

• Yes, if you want to understand difficult pupil behaviour
• Yes, if you are interested in how therapeutic approaches can be effectively integrated into classroom teaching
• Yes, if you want to work on your personal as well as professional development

If this is not the right course for you, please consider one of the following:

• NLP for Teachers - If you are interested in exploring Neuro-Linguistic Programming, "the study of excellence" and learning styles in more depth.
• Teaching through Multiple Intelligences - if you are interesting in Howard Gardner's pioneering work which takes into account the many different ways that people learn effectively and with enjoyment.

Programme of the training activities day by day:
Please note this is an example of a daily programme. Course content may often be usefully adapted to incorporate the needs of each specific group.

Week 1

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday AM 9.30-10.30 Introductions and group bonding. Ice breakers and group formation activities Emotional literacy and its relevance to the classroom The effects of trauma and loss on learning Developing rapport and effective communication Recognising and working with different learning styles 11.00-12.30 Needs analysis and goal setting Early attachment patterns and their relevance to learning The effects of family crises on learning. Domestic violence, abuse and neglect, parental addiction and/or mental illness Dealing with conflict 1 Behaviour management techniques 1 PM 14.00 - 15.30 What is a difficult learner and why do we find them difficult? Psycho-analytic theories of Bion and Winnicot and their relevance to teachers Overcoming and unlocking learning blocks and limiting beliefs Dealing with conflict 2 Review of week one and goal setting for week

Week 2

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday AM 9.30-10.30 Behaviour Management techniques 2 Therapeutic classroom activities 1 Drawings and metaphors The role I play in this group. Noticing my behaviour patterns Self management and peer support. Co – counselling for teachers. Key areas revisited. Themes on the course that the group wish to focus on more 11.00-12.30 Behaviour change techniques Therapeutic classroom activities 2 Play and Drama Dealing with “what is” rather “wishing things were different.” A practical approach Team teaching and peer observation for “problem classes” As immediately above PM 14.00-15.30 Developing different ways of assessing pupils Self awareness Teaching beliefs and values and the impact they have upon the teacher/student relationships Challenging Boredom A practical approach Parent teachers meetings Course review, including evaluation and farewells

Recommended Reading: Please note it is not necessary to buy these books or bring them to the course with you

• "Attachment in the Classroom: The links between children's early experience, emotional well being and performance in school: A Practical Guide for Schools" Dr Heather Geddes (Worth Publishing) 2005
• "Attachment Behaviour and the Schoolchild: An Introduction to Educational Therapy" Barrett and Trevitt (Routledge) 1991
• "Playing and Reality" D. Winnicott (Routledge) 2005

Type of the certification awarded in the language of the training:
Attendance certificate detailing topics covered and course content.