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The long-standing questions I’ve raised in vain for many years, why secondary education does not have any soft skill workshops, where students could get actual life-saving skills like initial financial management, communication skills, confidence and how to ask and how to say no. My son  is 15, and he does not really learn in school how to stand up for their rights, manage bullies and communicate efficiently.  Last weekend I was honoured to deliver an assertivity workshop for highschool students. Although some of the audience had some background knowledge on the topic, we had some eye-opening moments.

Expectations are decreased, still they are less practical than ever, so when they get to college (if not leaving the country), they will lack any cooperation tactics that are essential in higher education and on the job market later. 

Assertive Schools

Assertiveness can be a powerful tool to reform public education for secondary schools. The education system often follows a rigid and one-size-fits-all approach that does not take into account the individual needs and learning styles of students. However, an assertive approach can help educators provide a more personalised and effective learning experience for their students.

Assertiveness is defined as the ability to communicate effectively and confidently, while also respecting the rights and feelings of others. In the context of education, assertiveness can help educators communicate with their students in a way that is respectful and empathetic, while also setting clear boundaries and expectations.

The benefits of becoming more assertive are too many to list entirely. But here are a few of the most common and compelling reasons to work on becoming more assertive.

Benefits Of Assertive Practice in Schools:

Encourages student participation: An assertive approach can encourage student participation and engagement in the classroom. By setting clear expectations and encouraging students to share their thoughts and ideas, educators can create a more collaborative and interactive learning environment.

 

Supports individual learning needs: An assertive approach can help educators support the individual learning needs of their students. By recognizing and acknowledging different learning styles and adapting their teaching methods accordingly, educators can help students learn in a way that is most effective for them.

 

Fosters a positive learning environment: An assertive approach can create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, educators can create a sense of structure and predictability that can help students feel more secure and less anxious.

 

Builds student confidence: An assertive approach can help build student confidence by providing opportunities for students to practise their skills and receive feedback in a supportive and constructive way. By encouraging students to take risks and learn from their mistakes, educators can help students develop a growth mindset and a willingness to persevere. Every time we avoid expressing ourselves, we communicate to our own brain that our own wishes are not really that important. Do this enough, and we start to train our own brains to believe that we’re not that important generally. On the other hand, when we’re willing to honestly express how we feel and what we want, we’re reinforcing to our own brains that we are important and valuable. And ultimately, that’s the source of genuine self-confidence and self-respect.

 

Promotes accountability: An assertive approach can promote accountability among students by setting clear expectations and consequences for behaviour. By holding students accountable for their actions and encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning, educators can help students develop a sense of ownership and agency.

 

Less social anxiety: As students become more skilled at expressing their own beliefs, wants, and needs in a direct and respectful way, they gain valuable evidence that they don’t need to worry about disapproval.

 

Less stress: one of the ironies of the 3 unhelpful communication styles is that they require a lot of work and energy. Once the initial emotional blowback of being more assertive fades, it’s a far more efficient and relaxing way to go about life. All these practices learned at an early age will help the students to cope with life’s challenges and hardships.

 

Become less resentful of others: When students do not practise assertive behaviour, they tend to project their own disappointment with themselves. Then they  are  not being honest to other people in the form of frustration and resentment.

 

Improved relationships and partnerships: It’s a truism in couples counselling that all relationship problems are communication problems. And when it comes down to it, all communication problems are problems of assertiveness.

 

In conclusion, an assertive approach can be a powerful tool to reform public education for secondary schools to be considered. By encouraging student participation, supporting individual learning needs, fostering a positive learning environment, building student confidence, and promoting accountability, educators can create a more personalised and effective learning experience for their students. 

Until it becomes the norm, students might meet assertive approaches later on in their career, when companies will have to struggle to manage manager-employee and team conflicts as well as burnouts.

 

Let’s talk about how assertivity can benefit your personal or team development.

If you need professional help, do not hesitate to contact me for an assertivity training.