Abstract

Research across multiple fields finds that adult-youth relationships are key influencers of development; however, professional learning about relational practice is limited. This suggests the need for targeted, efficient ways to help adults improve relational practice. We present a randomized controlled trial of Simple Interactions, a strength-based professional development approach during which participants reflect on short videos of themselves interacting with young people using a dialogic protocol. Participating staff expressed high satisfaction with Simple Interactions, rating an average of 4.56 out of 5.00 on a 7-item composite measure. We saw an experimental effect for belief change, with treatment group staff after the workshops rating relational practice as more important than control group staff. We did not see an experimental effect for relational practice, perhaps due to substantial challenges around workshop attendance. The findings are promising for the innovation and suggest more engagement may be necessary to see change in practice.

摘要

跨多个领域的研究发现，成人与青少年的关系是发展的关键影响因素；然而，关于关系实践的专业学习是有限的。这表明需要有针对性的、有效的方法来帮助成年人改善关系实践。我们提出了一项简单互动的随机对照试验，这是一种基于力量的专业发展方法，参与者在此期间反思自己使用对话协议与年轻人互动的短视频。参与的工作人员对简单交互表示高度满意，在 7 项综合测量中平均得分为 4.56（满分 5.00）。我们看到了信念改变的实验效果，在研讨会之后，治疗组的工作人员认为关系实践比对照组的工作人员更重要。我们没有看到关系实践的实验效果，可能是由于研讨会出席方面的巨大挑战。研究结果对创新很有希望，并表明可能需要更多的参与才能看到实践的变化。