Resilience, Learning Styles, Resilience, Learning Styles, and Self Disciplineand Self Discipline

Larry Schanus Psy. D. Licensed Psychologist MCF/SHK

April 8, 2010• Copyright Larry Schanus 2010

History of ResilienceHistory of Resilience

Decades of research

Viktor FranklVisual / Detailed orientation

40 Identified Assets for childrenSearch Institute, Minneapolis, MN

Learning styles InventoryLearning styles Inventory(Kolb)(Kolb)

1. Why 2. Details (Schools are staffed

to teach these individuals)

3. Experience 4. How to use it

Dr. Larry’s Questions to Our Dr. Larry’s Questions to Our PopulationPopulation

“Now, that you know about your learning style differences how will it make your life different?”

Self-DisciplineSelf-Discipline

How many of you have made a poor choice, even if you saw the right choice?

Individuals lacking self discipline may not make the right choice even if they know the right choice.

Connection between Self Discipline Connection between Self Discipline & Resiliency& Resiliency

Some individuals lack a natural ability to develop self discipline.

No assessment available to test for self discipline. (Marshmallows)

Inappropriate choices may be an indicator for those who lack self discipline.

Connection between Self Connection between Self Discipline & Resiliency-Discipline & Resiliency-continuedcontinued

Self Discipline can be understood as a vital component of a sense of

ownership and responsibility for one’s behavior. (Brooks, 2006).

Self-Discipline a MetaphorSelf-Discipline a Metaphor

Disciple – to teach or lead

Discipline – to teach

Self Discipline – to teach your self

Developing Self Discipline through Developing Self Discipline through the Resiliency Modelthe Resiliency Model

Behavior Negative

Consequence Positive Outcome

Self Discipline (Resiliency Model) (Learning styles) (Restorative Disc)

A Hypothesis based on A Hypothesis based on experiences @ MCF/SHKexperiences @ MCF/SHK

Research has shown that for individuals lacking self-discipline, there is no guarantee that they will make good choices.

These same individuals can be successfully taught self discipline with positive results.

Dr. Larry’s hypothesis is…. Offenders are making better choices. These results are supported by Sgt. Church’s statistical findings.

developing self-discipline. The results are they

Statistical MeasuresStatistical Measures

Change in Discipline Cases from 03-16-06 thru 06-19-07

Control Group 3% Decrease

Resilient Group 47% Decrease

Statistical MeasuresStatistical Measures

Change in discipline cases from

03-16-06 thru 02-01-09

Control Group 15% decrease

Resiliency Group 51% decrease

Disciplinary Practices for Tough Disciplinary Practices for Tough CasesCases

We are aware the temperament and cognitive styles from birth make it more difficult to develop self-discipline.

Some adults need a person in their lives who will assist them to think before they act, reflect upon options, and realize that consequences follow from their choices.

Disciplinary practices based on a resilient mindset will prove to be most beneficial in supporting the emergence of self-discipline.

Resilient MindsetResilient Mindset

Have the ability to solve problems and make decisions.

See problems as challenges to be solved rather than to be avoided.

Rely on effective coping strategies that foster growth, rather than defeat.

They focus on what they can control.Able to seek help.

ResiliencyResiliency

Resiliency is the ability of individuals, work groups and

families to bounce back during times of stress.

Resiliency: what you will get from Resiliency: what you will get from this classthis class

A better understanding of what resiliency is and why it is important.

Common sense tools that will help you become more resilient.

Strategies for helping the people you live and work with become more resilient.

ResiliencyResiliency

Resiliency is important.

Resiliency can be learned.

Resiliency has a lasting impact on decreasing depression and anxiety symptoms.

Advantages of promoting resiliencyAdvantages of promoting resiliency

People are engaged, challenged, focused.

Individuals feel capable and optimistic.

Act positively and responsibly.

Resiliency assets, balancing Resiliency assets, balancing the demandthe demand

Finding your comfort zoneFinding your comfort zone

Warning signsWarning signs

Helpful things people say to Helpful things people say to themselves to think resilientlythemselves to think resiliently

Realizing problems are temporaryGive yourself credit for what you’ve

doneAddress problems one at a timeDiscuss instead of argueHelp others see more positivelyUnderstand few problems are life or

death

ResiliencyResiliency

What do you do in your life to promote resiliency?

Resiliency Assets - BeliefsResiliency Assets - Beliefs

Beliefs are the common points of view resilient people demonstrate in the face of challenges:

Positive outlookPurpose in lifePersonal powerSelf esteemFocus on learning

Resiliency Assets- CapabilityResiliency Assets- Capability

Capability – the skills that are fundamental to building resiliency through:

Managing how we reactManaging the situation itselfManaging your creative energy

Managing how we react: Managing how we react: Anatomy of an Amygdala AttackAnatomy of an Amygdala Attack

Managing how we reactManaging how we react

Managing the situation-Managing the situation-(Covey)(Covey)

• Covey

ManagingManaging CreativeCreative EnergyEnergy

Short Term Energizers: daily activities.

Long Term Energizers: Vacations and other planned events

Building supportive Building supportive relationshipsrelationships

5 types of supportEmotionalEsteemInformationTangibleCompanionship

Components of a Components of a ResilientResilient ClimateClimate

RespectRecognitionSupportFlexibilityOpportunity to make a meaningful

contribution

Mindset of Effective EducatorsMindset of Effective Educators

Differing assumptions that staff possess about themselves and the offenders.

In one scenario staff may see ongoing questions by an offender as an intentional ploy to distract from the situation.

Another staff with the same offender may assume the questions represent an attempt to understand the situation being presented.

Mindset of Effective EducatorsMindset of Effective Educators

Instilling hope and optimism.Learning that happens has as much to do

with the influence of staff than what students bring into the situation.

Subscribe to a strength-based model, which includes identifying and reinforcing each students strengths.

All students yearn to be successful.

Mindset of Effective StudentsMindset of Effective Students

Students typically do not pause to consider assumptions about learning and motivation that impact on their success at school.

A student struggling to learn math may believe that a high test score was based on luck.

The believe that luck was the determining factor will make it difficult to be confident about future success since luck is beyond ones control.

Mindset of Effective StudentsMindset of Effective Students

In contrast another student also struggling with math, may interpret a good test score as an indication that the tutoring and extra studying she has done are resulting in her becoming a better student.

Thus they credit their success with things within their control such as effort, a belief that reinforces confidence for continued success.

Mindset of Effective StudentsMindset of Effective Students

Believe that what they learn or not is based on their own motivation

Recognize that mistakes are a part of the learning process.

Perceive the teacher as a supportive adult.

Understand their unique learning styleInteract with their classmates with

respect.