NUO Conference 2024: "Skill Not Will"

In the workshop titled "Reducing Behavioral Challenges", the instructor emphasized a term that changed the way that I view children who exhibit challenging behaviors in the classroom, which is "skill not will". The concept stems from child psychologist Stuart Ablon, who specializes in working with challenging children and their families, teachers and additional support. The concept emphasizes that children exhibit challenging behaviors not out of a deliberate choice to misbehave, but rather due to lacking certain skills necessary for appropriate behavior. This perspective challenges the traditional assumption that misbehavior is solely a result of defiance or intentional disobedience. Instead, it highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying skills deficits that may contribute to challenging behaviors.

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuoPZkFcLVs&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

In traditional disciplinary approaches, rewards and punishments are often used to modify behavior, assuming that children misbehave because they choose to do so. However, the "Skill not Will" perspective shifts the focus towards recognizing that challenging behaviors often stem from deficits in skills rather than a lack of motivation or willpower. Therefore, simply rewarding or punishing a child may not effectively address the root cause of their behavior.

When educators encounter challenging behaviors in students, our primary duty is to understand what is driving those behaviors. This involves looking beyond the surface level of behavior and examining the underlying factors that may be contributing to it. By taking the time to understand the root causes of challenging behaviors, educators can better support students in developing the necessary skills to behave appropriately.

This approach not only fosters a more empathetic and understanding perspective on behavior management but also promotes the development of essential skills that empower students to succeed academically and socially.

Brought to you by: OliviaB@NUO

Ablon, S. (2014, October 24). Rethinking challenging kids-where there's a skill there's a way | J. stuart ablon | tedxbeaconstreet. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuoPZkFcLVs&ab_channel=TEDxTalks