Getting psychological flexibility and creative problem-solving going into the classroom with the ACT matrix. Educators spend a lot of time in classrooms dealing with problems. High on the list of issues are engaging and motivating students, managing challenging behaviors, curriculum demands, and administrative pressures. These issues can be ongoing and lead to a lot of struggling and wheel spinning.
Effective problem solving entails both the art of influencing and the application of well defined scientific principles. This course is designed for the everyday educator working to make a difference. School psychologists, counselors, social workers, educational specialists, administrators, and youth workers will also benefit from taking this course. It will help you reduce the struggle, get more done, and be more effective. It will also help you assist your learners in doing the same. The Matrix helps to promote psychological flexibility, which leads to resilience, persistence, and growth in the face of obstacles and difficulties. The Matrix promotes the development of "noticing what works" to get teachers and learners on the same page and moving toward effective learning. Everyone feels empowered to make healthy choices and work together.
The bottom line is that promoting psychological flexibility in schools and classrooms leads to less struggling with what doesn’t work and more effective instruction and intervention. Students use the Matrix to develop the self-monitoring, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills needed for success in school and life.
The ACT matrix will be presented as an engaging, research-based tool designed to enhance psychological flexibility that quickly “loosens us up” educators and learners for collaborative, creative problem solving with both individuals and groups. Students learn to work “with” teachers and are more engaged, increasing time for learning and discovery. The matrix process is the quickest way to involve learners in the process of acquiring the skills for self-directed learning and growth.
This experiential course will focus on enhancing creativity and flexibility in approaching the challenges of our day to day involvements with learners and other issues. It is based on the evidenced-based practice of acceptance and commitment therapy and training (ACT). ACT focuses on increasing valued, vital living while decreasing the struggle with problems and suffering. In the ACT, individuals and groups learn through experience what works to be effective and achieve their goals.
The matrix is being used successfully in many school and educational settings. Teachers using it report fewer disruptions and greater cooperation from students. They also report a lessening of their own stress.
What will you learn in this course?