Tag: adolescents

Better than Bluetooth

February 23rd, 2011

On the first Tuesday of each month I host a ten minute conference call entitled, Ten-on-Tuesday: An hour’s worth of information in ten minutes. It’s an alternative to hour-long webinars that—let’s be honest—aren’t always the best use of time.

During the last call I asked participants to ask a question of students for which they had no pre-determined answer. I appreciated the follow-up question I received and thought I would share the exchange.

Participant question:

The last item you discussed yesterday was asking a question of a student that we don’t have the answer, I was a little confused regarding that. Could you please give me an example?

My response:

Too often we ask questions for which we have prepackaged answers. Our goal in such cases is to transfer our answers to students. This process has more in common with bluetooth data-transfer than learning.

When you ask a question for which you have no answer, you level the learning field. You and the student are learning collaboratively to find the answer(s). For instance, you may ask a student you work with, “How is it that the media influences people?” This doesn’t mean you don’t have your own ideas. You do. But what if the student with whom you are working could add clarity to your existing understanding of this topic? Asking this question allows for this opportunity. It also encourages the student to arrive at a new, fresh understanding of the topic.

    New Education Transformation Videos

    February 22nd, 2011

    The University of Oregon’s Substance Abuse Prevention Program sponsored the production of this video on making prevention education—all education, for that matter—personal.  These videos walk you through each of the three phases of the personalized prevention process: Crystallize, Personalize, and Relationalize (C.P.R.).

    For learning to be powerful and life-changing it must be personal. These videos walk you through three ingredients that must be in place to move educational approaches from abstract and impersonal to concrete, personal, and life-changing.

    I want to thank the University of Oregon’s Substance Abuse Prevention Program for this opportunity. Bryan and Sabine, thank you for your help planning, filming, and formatting the footage.

    Part 1: Introduction to Personalized Prevention Education

    Part 2: C.P.R. A Meta-Curriculum for Personalized Prevention Education

    Part 3: Crystallize Your Message

    Part 4: Personalize Your Methods

    Part 5: Relationalize Your Approach

    Part 6: Get Away from Group-think

      Part 2 of my interview with The Los Angeles Examiner

      February 19th, 2011

      Communication, respect and trust are 3 important issues when dealing with teens. In Part 2 of our Relating With Teens interview, author and speaker Andrew F. Robinson discusses these issues. Although Andrew is based in Oregon, his relevant, practical insights speak to the heart of anyone seeking to make a positive difference in others’ lives. He travels to speak and work with groups here in Los Angeles and all over North America.

      EBB: How can educators and parents reestablish a better form of communication with their teens?

      AFR: Cultivate curiosity! Good communication flows from genuine curiosity. Here are a few elements I explore in The Teen Age.

      1. Say less—this creates space and capacity for connection with teens.

      2. Ask good questions—a good question is one that produces more questions.

      3. Listen—seek to understand the meaning behind the oft-confusing ways teens communicate.

      Notice the natural rhythm that takes place in conversations with people we trust. Such communication serves to connect us with others because there is a natural give and take. These three elements help us create similar rhythms with teens.

      EBB: How do we get teens to return respect?

      AFR: In Put Your Boots On, one of the 40 reflections in The Teen Age, I liken relating to teens to an occupation. When we don’t show up for a job, when we cut corners, we lose the respect of others and may lose our job. Consistency is a key ingredient to fostering mutual respect with teens.

      EBB: What do teens want their parents and educators to do? (or not do?)

      AFR: Though the particulars may vary, all teens would like adults to do the following:

      1. See them—demonstrate the same fascination you would exhibit for a partially buried treasure

      2. Respect them as people regardless of their decisions

      3. Furnish fair, clear, unapologetic guidelines and expectations

      4. Do not try to be their buddy, or so-called, Best Friend Parent

      5. Connect with them

      Over the past decade I’ve conducted numerous interviews with teens. One thing in particular that may surprise adults is the degree to which they want adults to share their own past with them. I explore each of these in my book. Your readers can also watch The 6Teens Project, collection of free videos on our website in which I interview teens about these topics.

      EBB: What conditions are necessary for teens and adults to better connect?

      AFR: The Teen Age contains several reflections that address this question. In short, the essential conditions are generous amounts of time, trust and interaction. All three are necessary. Compromise any of these conditions and we will weaken our connection with teens.

      For more information, write to Andrew at: andrew@peoplechangepeople.com.