Affective questioning, in the context of restorative practices, is a technique that uses carefully crafted questions to elicit specific emotional responses from individuals involved in a conflict or challenging situation. The primary goal is to promote empathy, remorse, and learning, rather than simply assigning blame or punishment. It aims to foster understanding and encourage positive behaviour change.
Understanding Affective Questioning
Affective questions delve into how an individual's actions have impacted themselves and others. They focus on the emotional and relational consequences of behaviours. By guiding individuals to reflect on their feelings and those of others involved, affective questioning encourages accountability and facilitates restorative dialogue.
Key Characteristics of Affective Questions:
- Focus on Feelings: They explore the emotional landscape of a situation.
- Promote Empathy: They encourage consideration of others' perspectives and emotions.
- Elicit Reflection: They prompt introspection and self-assessment.
- Encourage Accountability: They facilitate acknowledgment of harm caused.
- Oriented Towards Resolution: They contribute to finding positive solutions and preventing future incidents.
Examples of Affective Questions:
| Type of Question | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Questions | "How did your actions affect others?" "What do you think the impact of your behaviour was?" | To help the individual realize the effects of their actions on others. |
| Emotional Questions | "How were you feeling when this happened?" "What emotions are you experiencing now?" | To bring awareness to the individual’s feelings and to understand the emotional aspects of the incident. |
| Responsibility Questions | "What could you have done differently?" "What are you willing to do to make things better?" | To guide the individual towards self-reflection and acceptance of responsibility. |
| Empathy Questions | "How do you think others involved might have felt?" "If you were in their situation how would you feel?" | To encourage the individual to see the incident from others’ perspectives and promote empathy. |
How to Implement Affective Questioning:
- Create a Safe Space: Ensure the environment is non-judgmental and supportive.
- Use a Calm Tone: Employ a soft and understanding tone to encourage openness.
- Be Patient: Allow time for individuals to reflect and respond.
- Listen Actively: Pay close attention to the answers and validate feelings.
- Focus on Learning: Frame the process as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Connection to Restorative Practices
As highlighted in the reference:
Restorative conversations focus on the behaviour of concern or incident, promote a positive approach to resolving conflict and stabilize the identity of all students involved in the matter of concern. Effective questions elicit empathy, remorse and learning.
Affective questioning is a fundamental tool within the context of restorative practices. By asking the right questions, individuals are not only held accountable for their actions but also encouraged to learn from their mistakes and make amends. This approach strengthens relationships, fosters a sense of community, and promotes a more positive and supportive environment.
Effective use of affective questions helps to promote a positive approach to resolving conflict by creating dialogue and encouraging empathy. This approach helps to stabilize the identity of all students involved by focusing on personal growth and accountability rather than just punishment.
