The
software can be installed on a PC or a school’s intranet and the individual profiles
can, if so desired, be placed alongside 360° assessment profiles which are completed by
peers, tutors, teachers and other adults. The resulting graphs with their similarities and
differences provide a springboard for rich textured and productive dialogues about
personal, social and emotional issues as they pertain to life at school.
An individual
bar graph printout can be used by students and teachers in small group or as part of
individual personal development plan or learning interviews |
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A polar plot can also be produced to provide a more holistic view of the
individual.When other people fill in the questionnaire, several plots appear on the same
graph to give the student some feedback on how other people perceive him or her
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Work
in schools
Working in schools with both the
individual profiles and those that the programme produces by amalgamating the scores of an
entire group, has led to some interesting and life-changing discussions. Student support
booklets provide definitions of each of the areas covered in TalkiT. Once a group is familiar with the
vocabulary and definitions, a group of students can be invited to plot the group’s
performance in each of the thirteen areas. The ‘intuitive’ plot is then compared
with the actual computer printout. The discrepancies produce mixed reactions in the group
from surprise and pleasure, to concern. This exercise always gives rise to examples from
the group’s recent history of skilled group performance and honest, if sheepish,
examples of times when they have been less than exemplary in their group behaviour.
Similarly, when students are put into small groups to receive their personal graphs, they
find it helpful and empowering to illustrate their areas of strength. The ensuing personal
stories focus attention on success (similar to the process used in solution focused
therapy) alongside providing useful information to other members of the group who might
not be using such effective functioning. Everyone has some areas that are stronger than
others, so everyone has a story to tell and an opportunity to experience a sense of
achievement.
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