Led by Carol Markham-Cousins, this presentation aimed to explore the current trend away from punitive approaches in favor of restoring and repairing harm within communities.
The workshop emphasized the need for commitment when it comes to building a restorative community. It highlighted the importance of understanding Restorative Practice Education holistically and linking it with the discipline practices of individual schools. By doing so, sustainable change can be achieved.
The participants were reminded of the famous quote, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” This served as a motivation for them to focus on building communities rather than fixing problems that arise later on. However, they also acknowledged that building these communities is not always an easy task.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were encouraged to expand their thinking and learn from one another’s experiences. They engaged in debates about both barriers and benefits associated with adopting restorative practices within their respective schools or organizations
In addition to gaining more insight into restorative practice itself, participants also discussed other important topics such as building capacity in schools and leadership development. These discussions allowed them to consider structural changes necessary for fostering a restorative culture within their institutions.
To ensure that everyone had a comprehensive understanding of Restorative Approaches, attendees were asked to demonstrate their knowledge during interactive sessions. This provided an opportunity for individuals to showcase how schools use this practice effectively in order to improve results for all students.
Moreover, participants examined various barriers that may hinder the shift towards adopting a Restorative Mind-set. By identifying these obstacles upfront, they could strategize ways to overcome them effectively
One key aspect explored during this workshop was implementing a paradigm shift – both intellectually (head) and emotionally (heart). Attendees delved into how they could cultivate a restorative culture at their schools or organizations by embracing this new way of thinking and feeling.
By the end of the workshop, participants left with a deeper understanding of restorative practice and its potential impact on their communities. They were equipped with knowledge on building capacity within their schools, developing effective leadership skills, and implementing structural changes that would support a restorative culture.
Overall, Carol Markham-Cousins’ presentation at RJ World Online provided educational leaders with valuable insights into creating a restorative community. It empowered them to take action towards building strong children while avoiding the need to repair broken individuals later in life. Through this workshop, attendees gained not only knowledge but also practical tools for fostering positive change within their respective institutions.
