Favorite Teacher

'''Abstract''': The purpose is to introduce the spirit of MI in a personal way by evoking it from the trainees.

'''Overview''': Very near the beginning of the first day, I want the trainees to remember what it felt like to be motivated themselves as school kids.

'''Guidelines''': I say this...”I’d like you to remember a teacher from your elementary, mid, or high school days whose class you enjoyed. Think back about what he or she did that made you eager to attend that class and to participate”. I wait one minute while trainees think. Then I say, “Let me tell you about my favorite teacher. Mrs. Dustin was my 10th grade biology teacher. She spoke to me as if I were an adult. Now I’ll write your examples here on this flip chart. Who’s willing to begin?” I write down their teacher’s name and one quality or behavior that they mention. Essentially, I reflect the main point they make about their teacher.

After 5 or 10 trainees have described their favorite teacher, I summarize the list, using the teachers’ names.

I then ask the group to tell me their hunch about the purpose of this favorite teacher exercise. I conclude by saying, “Yup, you got it! This list is a good start at describing the qualities and behaviors of a motivational interviewer”.

'''Example(s)''': Trainees remember the name of their favorite teacher with remarkable frequency. It seems to add to the richness of my summary that I use their teacher’s name, too. Trainees usually say things like “She believed in me”, “He made it interesting”, “She knew I was capable of more”, “He took the time to explain concepts creatively”, “She helped me to speak up even though I was really shy”, etc.

'''Notes''': For a large group that may not be able to see the flip chart, type the examples right into your PowerPoint slide that is projected on the screen. It is visible and especially validating for those who contribute.

Contributed by: Carolina Yahne