USING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-directed method for making changes, increasing helpful behaviors and decreasing unhelpful behaviors. MI highlights an individual's intrinsic motivation and interest in change using a non-confrontational approach. Often used in clinical settings, Motivational Interviewing is directly applicable in classroom settings to engage students and help them take responsibility for their educational goals. Useful in teaching, counseling and advising, MI helps to frame goals in practical, attainable, step-wise fashion. Teachers and advisors who use Motivational Interviewing enhance their listening and problem-solving skills to become more effective communicators and create better rapport with students. MI has been shown as an effective method for facilitating interaction, developing rapport and ultimately helping to motivate students. Following specific techniques and a methodological approach, motivational Interviewing can help students move forward, see alternative paths toward their goal and take ownership. The MI approach will be taught using two specific methods. The OARS dialogue method helps to create a collaborative atmosphere that communicates interest in problem-solving. Using the FRAMES construction, teachers, advisors and administrators can help students reduce ambivalence, make decisions and move forward. Motivational Interviewing can be used for both short-and long-term goal setting and to help students create paths toward intermediate goals. It is possible to tailor Motivational Interviewing techniques and use specific portions of the framework and still achieve success. Teachers and advisors will find Motivational Interviewing no more time consuming than other student-centered approaches. Educators will learn how to incorporate key principals of Motivational Interviewing into their work with students using specific questions and statements meant to shift perspectives and illicit change. Suggestions will be given to adapt MI to mesh with teaching and advising styles and student needs.