A style of active listening that enhances commitment to positive changes by using empathy and open-ended questions. It empowers students to find their own motivations for change rather than imposing solutions or advice.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is appropriate for all grade levels.
MI could help address low motivation/engagement/work completion, but it would also be helpful when addressing disruptive, disrespectful, or noncompliant behavior; peer difficulties; or attendance concerns.
Because MI could be used to address such a variety of concerns, indicators of success will vary.
For example, if you use MI to address low work completion, you would expect to see the student's rate of work completion increase.
If you use MI to discuss peer difficulties the student is having, you would expect to observe fewer contentious interactions between the student and their peers.
MI's core skills are OARS:
Open-ended questions (e.g., "What are your thoughts on this project? Tell me about what you find challenging or interesting.")
Affirmations (e.g., "I appreciate your persistence in tackling difficult problems. Your dedication to understanding the concepts is admirable.")
Reflective listening (e.g., Student: "I feel overwhelmed with all these assignments." Teacher: "It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of pressure and stress due to the workload.")
Summarizing (e.g., "So, from our discussion, I understand that you're interested in improving your problem-solving skills, and you believe that seeking help from peers could be beneficial. Is that correct?")
You use OARS to amplify the student's "change talk" (as opposed to their "sustain talk"). You're working with the student to understand their own problem better and to help them find the internal motivation that they need to find a solution that is realistic for them and one that they’re bought into.
MI Cheat Sheet_MI Center for Change.pdfUsing Motivational Interviewing to Help Your Students_NEA.pdf🎧 Motivational Interviewing with David Jackson (Podcast Episode by SCRED Staff)
