I am a psychological flexibility expert. I help teachers, students, work teams, and families take what they already know and then discover what works for collaboration, communication and shared purposes.
I use this very simple diagram and a few words to get a conversation started.
Let me show you!
The diagram is two crossed lines that form four quadrants.
You invite your learners into a conversation by asking them the questions, fill up the grid with their responses and everyone starts communicating better. It works with individuals and groups of all ages. You can use it anywhere but it is especially useful when a student or adult is feeling stuck. Asking and answering the questions is the way out of feeling stuck and getting moving toward who and what is important.
The video on the my Homepage shows you how I introduce it. You just practice the steps and the diagram does the rest.
What is the ACT Matrix?
The ACT Matrix is a simple way of visualizing the cognitive-behavioral approach to values-based behaviors known as Acceptance and Commitment Training ( ACT). Dr. Kevin Polk developed the matrix as a way of quickly engaging people in a collaborative learning process.
The Matrix is a point of view that gets big results. It is based on research and the science of what works to get individuals and groups moving toward what matters both personally and professionally.
The Matrix is a Diagram of How Humans Learn
Learning begins at the top of the diagram where we take in information from our five senses. It flows down inside of us and becomes our learning history or mental experience in our minds. At the same time, we move toward important people and things in our lives and we move away from uncomfortable experiences like fear, anger, and sadness. Knowing what is going on around us, being aware of what is showing up inside of us, and recognizing, where our actions are leading us, leads to making choices that work.
Discover the Power of Psychological Flexibility
The target of the ACT Matrix is psychological flexibility. The latest research supports promoting psychological flexibility as the cornerstone of psychological health and well being. The Matrix visually represents the core learning processes of ACT so students of all ages can be psychologically flexible and quickly learn what works. The process “loosens up” stuck and struggling learners by empowering them to move toward resilience and persistence in the face of everyday obstacles and challenges.
0In schools and classrooms, the matrix has many uses, including mental health interventions, social-emotional learning, and classroom management.
The Matrix leads to Connection, Collaboration, and Shared Purposes
Educators spend a lot of time in classrooms dealing with problems. High on the list of issues are engaging and motivating students, managing challenging behaviors, curriculum demands, and administrative pressures. These issues can be ongoing and lead to a lot of struggling and wheel spinning.
Effective social-emotional learning entails both the art of influencing and the application of well-defined scientific principles.
The Matrix gets Learners and Educators Moving Toward What Matters
The Matrix is for all of us on the front lines working to make a difference. It helps you reduce the struggles, get more done and be more effective. It also assists your learners in doing the same. The Matrix promotes psychological flexibility, which leads to resilience, persistence, and growth in the face of obstacles and difficulties. It allows everyone to “notice what works” to get teachers and learners on the same page and moving toward effective learning. Everyone feels empowered to make healthy choices and work together
More Teaching, More Learning…with Less Stress
The bottom line is that promoting psychological flexibility in schools and classrooms leads to less struggling with what doesn’t work and more creativity, effective instruction and success. Students use the Matrix to develop the self-monitoring and self-regulation skills needed for success in school and life.
Try it out and discover the power of psychological flexibility and what it can do for you and those you serve!
I have more training for Social-Emotional and Self-Directed Learning at: