Motivational Interviewing in Schools: Conversations to Improve Behavior and Learning

by Stephen Rollnick, Sebastian G. Kaplan, Richard Rutschman

The first teacher's guide to the proven counseling approach known as motivational interviewing (MI), this pragmatic book shows how to use everyday interactions with students as powerful opportunities for change. MI comprises skills and strategies that can make brief conversations about any kind of behavioral, academic, or peer-related challenge more effective. Extensive sample dialogues bring to life the "dos and don'ts" of talking to K–12 students (and their parents) in ways that promote self-directed problem solving and personal growth. The authors include the distinguished codeveloper of MI plus two former classroom teachers. User-friendly features include learning exercises and reflection questions; additional helpful resources are available at the companion website. Written for teachers, the book will be recommended and/or used in teacher workshops by school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

This book is in the Applications of Motivational Interviewing series, edited by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Theresa B. Moyers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Counselling, Professional Development, Education

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2016

Reviews

[David Doty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you are an administrator, teacher, or counselor interested in helping students change, particularly at-risk students or those who might be disengaged from school, this book and the skills it teaches should be a part of of your professional toolkit. A very straightforward and practical read, the book is a guide to the essential skills of Motivational Interviewing, and demonstrates how MI can be used to address a variety of challenges, including bullying, at-risk students, dropout prevention, and transition to life after school. The communication skills at the core of MI would even be useful for parents, clergy, and other adults who want to strengthen their abilities to support and help young people.

[David Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am surprised how often I have used this method in the classroom, and there were parts I was blind to. I think the "righting reflex" is my biggest issue, no surprise. I really like this model and think it gives teachers some good tools to use while in conversation with a student. I don't think it can be applied broadly to the classroom. For instance, this method would not work in a group or when the conversation is in public. (Change conversations don't go well when in public.)

[Emily Gauthier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a useful tool for teachers, counselors, and administrators.

[Renee Froembling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work read for team! Great reminders on how to truly build intrinsic motivation-strategies for all walks of life.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid foundation to MI in the education space- although a little out dated at times. I would recommend this to get familiar with OARS framework.