Developing

Assertiveness
Skills
BY :
TINES A/L ATHINARAYANAN
MUHAMMAD NAQUIB
QUESTION
Students are asked to carry out activities as in
Appendix 3: Developing Assertiveness Skills (Building
Assertiveness Skills). Students are required to use role
play activities based on given situations (Situation A-
G). These activities will enable students to develop
Assertiveness Skills. Based on feedback from the
Observer, discuss Ways to build Assertiveness Skills
among teachers.
Assertiveness is the ability to state positively
and constructively your rights or needs without
violating the rights of others. (DFA, 2006)

The ability to say no, the ability to ask favors
or make request, the ability to express positive
and negative feelings, and the ability to initiate,
to continue and to finish a general
conversation. (Lazarus, 1973)

DEFINITION
Assertiveness
Behaviour
Self-respect and respect others.
Positive appreciation of self-worth
High self-control
High self-disclosure
Personal Rights to be
Assertive
Right to make decision
Right to pursue goals and dreams
Right to a valid opinion
Right to say how do you want to be treated
Right to say No
Right to change your mind
Right to ask for help
NON-ASSERTIVE / PASSIVE
BEHAVIOUR
1. FEAR OF REJECTION;
THAT IT WILL HARM
OTHERS..
2. EXPECTATIONS
ARE NOT CLEARLY
STATED.
4. PEOPLES
NEEDS, OPINIONS
ARE MORE
IMPORTANT THAN
HIS OWN.
3. LOW SELF-ESTEEM;
INCONSISTENT IN
RESPONSE OF STUDENTS
BEHAVIOURS.
Aggressive
Behaviour
Manipulations
Have no respect
to others
Abuse
Ignore other
peoples opinion
Negative
thinking
WHY TEACHERS MUST HAVE
ASSERTIVENESS??
1. HAVE THE RIGHT
TO DETERMINE
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR
STUDENTS.
2. WAYS TO MANAGE
STUDENTS
BEHAVIOUR.
3. THE RIGHS TO REQUEST &
EXPECT ASSISTANCE
(parents; administrations) IN
THEIR EFFORTS.
4. BUILDING POSITIVE, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIP WITH
STUDENTS; TEACH APPROPRIATE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR.
Eg.modelling; rewarding.
ROLE PLAY
Ways to Develop Assertiveness Skills Among Teachers
Acknowledge yourself and your rights.
Identify your needs and how do you want people to treat you.
Value that people are responsible for their behaviour
Express your opinions in appropriate ways.
Accept criticism and compliment from others positively.
You have right to say No when you need to.
Simple assertiveness formula
Record the specific event
What personal rights that are involved?
How do you respond to it?
What is the result in your decision?
Remind yourself about what will you do the
next time around.
THANK YOU

References
Tucker-Ladd, C. (2010). Building Assertiveness in 4 Steps. Psych Central. Retrieved on
January 30, 2013, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/02/25/building-
assertiveness-in-4-steps/
Assertiveness: Working with people; not against them. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29,
2013, from Mind Tools: Essential Skills for Excellent Career:
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/Assertiveness.htm
McIntyreTom. Assertive Discipline. (n.d). Retrieved on Jan 29, 2013 from
http://www.behavioradvisor.com/AssertiveDiscipline.html
J. Drum. David. (n.d). Assertiveness Training Workshop. Retreived January 29, 2013,
from
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bC7kkRgj6VfV-BhBFPAI4c3g
EAP. (2006). Assertiveness Skills. Retrieved on Jan 30, 2013 from
https://attachment.fbsbx.com/messaging_attachment.php?aid=b14c1651234dd7a54ca
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Pipas, M. D., & Mohammad Jaradat2. (2010). ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
Annales Universitatis Apulensis Series Oeconomica.