Asking rather than demanding

In this book, Gottfried Orth and Hilde Fritz tell the story of a state school that has undergone a long, ongoing process of change: in the way it handles power and in its understanding of how people interact with one another there. The teaching staff and school management have embarked on this journey together.

You may be familiar with the starting point: yet another fight in the school playground; a desperate call from a parent because their daughter has been bullied by her classmates for weeks; teachers complaining about constant disruption in lessons and simply wanting to teach in peace. Some voices call for harsher punishments and more consistent enforcement. Others realise that disciplinary measures have so far failed to deliver lasting results and are therefore seeking entirely different approaches.

This book explores that alternative approach, combining narrative with reflection. Demands made of both sides – pupils and teachers alike – have been replaced by requests. The aim is to foster personal responsibility and mutual respect through a process exemplified by this particular school.

144 pages, paperback, published by Junfermann Verlag.

There is also a workbook by Gottfried Orth entitled ‘Talking to one another – understanding one another’.

Prof. Gottfried Orth is also represented in our catalogue with the book *Living Appreciation: An Approach to Successful Relationships in the Family, at School and in the Workplace*. Unfortunately, his wonderful book *Non-Violent Communication in Churches and Communities* is now only available as an e-book from Junfermann Verlag.