A sticky story/case study in using AI in schools.

While visiting a school to discuss the application of the appreciative approach to discipline with a Head of Department, a pupil was sent out of class for bad behaviour.

Presented with this opportunity, the pupil was invited to sit down and talk to us. This included what had happened in class, what the pupil enjoyed about school life and life outside school and also their plans for the future. Returning to the present, the pupil was asked what they wanted to do. They wanted to ask the teacher " why do you hate me?" A great opportunity to reframe the question and explore the potential of focusing the question on what was wanted rather than what was not wanted.

The pupil was coached in how to approach the teacher, the question to ask and the importance of acting on what they heard.

What difference did it make? Here are some quotes from those involved.

Head of Department: " I have to say that your influence is continuing to work on X. X has been very good in History and there has been some carry over into other subjects."

The teacher: " I was pleased to see this pupil taking reponsibility for their behaviour."

The pupil: "I was told my attitude and behaviour in class needed to change and given details of that and I told the teacher what I wanted to happen in class." " The time in class and school pases more quickly when I behave.

What was the question the pupil asked the teacher?

Q "What can we each do to improve the situation in the classroom for both of us?"

A bit different from " Why do you hate me" and with a very different outcome.