Browsing by Author "Almeida Simoes, Sari-Anne"

The Objective. The objective of this study is to find out, how to improve students´ interpersonal skills and create positive interaction in the class using solution-focused thinking and methods. The objective of this study is also to observe and clarify above mentioned development process through analyzing the connection between theory and practice. It is also my intention to improve and deepen my solution-focused and pedagogical thinking. Methods. This is an autoethnographical study, in which I study the effectiveness of the solution-focused methods on the interpersonal skills of a student group through my own memories retrospectively by reflecting, analyzing and interpreting. The research data consists of my memories supported by written notes, photographs and drawings. In this study I describe, analyze and interpret the effectiveness of solution-focused thinking and methods on the target group, which consists of a special class that I taught for two years. In the first year there were six and in the second year eight students in the class. The analysis and the interpretation are not separated to their own sections but make a continuous part of the study. The research questions are: 1. How to develop positive interaction among students using solution-focused methods? 2. In what way did solution-focused thinking and methods benefit the student group of this study? Results and Conclusions. According to my experience, the interpersonal skills of this student group developed significantly using solution-focused thinking and methods. The atmosphere and the interaction in the class became positive through solution-focusing and co-operation. I also feel that my solution-focused and pedagogical thinking improved and expanded and the connection between theory and practice became clearer.