Lecture presentation		 Session 10
Solution focussed intervention
Solution focussed intervention, also known as Brief Therapy or Narrative Therapy is a quick and innovative approach that is often effective with difficult students. It is not about finding out the details on the issue but more concerned with exploring possibilities for things to be different. The way questions are framed is the key to this process.

To use this technique some understanding (and agreement) of the assumptions behind the models are needed.

The types of questions to be used are outlined below. Rollover the questions to find out more on how they are used effectively.
Assumptions
After asking questions, teachers provide feedback to students to reinforce the resources and strengths shown. This builds collaboration, gives support to students' perceptions, and helps set goals.

Source: Peter De Jong and Scott D. Miller (1995) How to Interview for Client Strengths in Social Work, v40, n6, p729-736, (Nov issue)

Think of a student who seemed to have little response to usual discipline and counselling approach used in schools. See if you you can take a 'solution-focussed' perspective and identify any exceptions or strengths that you could use in your discussion about his/her behaviour?

Have a look at the story of 'The Invisible Ball ' and the poster of the I-ACE approach. What role do you think teacher perceptions have on behaviour issues and how effective do you think the I-ACE approach would be for students (or teachers) experiencing harassment or intimidation?
Chapter 11 - Creating learning environments: Pages 444 - 457