Credit: 1-Quarter Hours
Clock Hours: 10 Contact Hours

Course Description

Why do some students survive and even thrive in the face of great adversity while others seem to wither and struggle when faced with minor challenges?  Why is it that some students just seem to self-aware and self-assured?  How do students successfully juggle a successful school career and a chaotic life?  The concept of resiliency gives educators insight into these phenomenon and provides them with a new way of working with all students.  Recognizing and understanding the interrelated nature of the seven interpersonal resiliencies and the factors within the classroom that mitigate risk provides educators with powerful, easily implemented strategies and tools to support and encourage student achievement, goal setting, and learning.

Course Objectives

Understand the implications of resiliency as they relate to student achievement and success.

To identify the seven inner resiliencies and become familiar with their impact on student achievement and success.

To become familiar with the enviornmental factors that can mitigate risk and promote resiliency.

To become familiar with the 40 Developmental Assests™ (Search Institute) as they relate student achivement and success.

Student Expectations

Attend all class sessions.

Actively participate in class discussions and activities.

Complete a written assignment by designated completion date.

Level of Application

This course focuses on application and implementation levels.

Target Audience

Teachers, classroom assistants, counselors, administrators, club and activity advisors of students ages preschool to adult, as well as parents and community members, law enforcement officers, and everyone who works with children.

Methods of Instruction

During this course, the instructors methods of instruction will include lecture, large and small group activities, brainstorming, video presentations and/or participant presentations.

Grading Criteria

All participants must complete a written assignment to receive college credit. This course if offered for a letter grade. The following requirements are grading guidelines:

45% In-class activities including, but not limited to Socratic Circles, small and large group work, and presentations

15% Class participation

40% Written assignment completed outside of class

Texts and Required Learning Materials

Participants will receive required text and materials the first class session.

Plans for Transferring Skills into the Work Setting

Methods for encouraging the transfer of newly acquired skills into the work setting will include discussion and problem solving groups; reading; sharing of successful strategies in class, and practicing new skills during the workshop.

Suggested Bibliography & Video References

Participants will receive a complete bibliography, print and Internet. Additional resources will be distributed in class, as appropriate.

Assignment Options

Identify the factors at your work site that promote resiliency. What are they? How and why do they exist?

Identify the factors at your work site that inhibit resiliency. What are they? How and why do they exist?

Develop a plan to increase the resiliency of students, co-workers or yourself.

Choose two of the resiliencies discussed in class and develop a plan to increase them with students, peers and/or parents.

Design a mini in-service to share this information with your peers or with parents.

Create an assignment of your choosing, based on your particular job or interests. Have the instructor approve your assignment choice.