19 Skills Practice: Learning With and From Families
Many organizations, including schools, agencies, and clinics, approach problem-solving by seeking to fix what is broken. In clinical settings, this often extends from a medical model focused on treating illness and disease. Appreciative Inquiry is a model that assumes that we can learn from what’s working (rather than identifying what isn’t). Appreciative Inquiry’s underpinnings are in the field of positive psychology, a subfield that takes a strengths-based approach.
Ludema et al. (2006) created an interview protocol that we adapted to better suit interactions with families.
Using the questions below, identify an important adult (or family) to practice making this approach your own. You might find a peer or colleague in your organization, a family friend, or even a friend with children who might be willing to provide feedback. Following this practice, ask the interviewee(s) how this approach felt from their perspective. Be willing to listen and to respond with appreciation for their candor and suggestions.
- Think of a time when you have felt most excited or engaged with your child’s school, community organization, or clinic . What components or factors made it a great experience? What was it about you, others, and the organization that made it a positive experience for you?
- What do you value most about your child and their experiences in [school, agency, or clinic]?
- Think of a time when your child was successful (however you define that). What helped your child be successful? What worked well for your child and for you?
- What is one (or perhaps two) hope(s) you have about [school/ agency/ clinic] to strengthen the organization in the future?
