Published: March 2024

Keywords:
René Kristensen, Gregory Bateson, Elspeth McAdam, Position theory, positioning, repositioning, addressivity, roles, inclusion, special education, family therapy, social constructionism, contexts, Appreciative Inquiry, resource focus, language tones.

Abstract

This article aims to show the many possibilities in the concept of positioning and the derived concept of re-positioning, and it makes visible several of educational contexts in relation to special educational practice, where the concepts can create new, inclusive and vitalizing opportunities for actions and understandings. The concept of positioning has an embedded systemic-constructionist understanding, which is unfolded in order to show the possibilities and flourishing that the idea of positioning brings along. Pedagogical and psychological theories are included to contribute to active and concrete work with positions as a pedagogical (and therapeutic) field of action. The article examines the great potential in relating to one's own and others' positions in special education as well as guidance and supervision in special pedagogy. An inherent basic premise is that we as professionals, as well as in private contexts, always speak from a position which influences the relationship and what is communicated.

Opening notes for Metalogos readers:

This article is an edited and updated version of an article published in Denmark:

Kristensen, R. (2021) Positionering - om positionering og repositionering i special pædagogisk praksis. I: Special pædagogik nr. 2. 2021.

Even though the article addresses schools and people working with inclusion, students at UCL’s education of family therapists have found it very helpful to understand the dynamics of positions, when you work with other people in therapeutic contexts.

Gregory Bateson, Karl Tomm, Peter Lang, Elspeth McAdam, Barnett Pearce, Jackie Stavros, and Cheri Torres are key persons in my theoretical learning environment.

René Kristensen

René Kristensen, associate professor, PD in psychology, Master of Science in systemic Leadership and organization Studies at University College Lillebaelt Erhvervsakademi og Professionshøjskole, REKR@UCL.dk

René is concerned with learning environments and flourishing in schools and institutions, inclusion, guidance, special education, neuro psychology, family therapy and supervision.

He works from a systemic, social constructionist position as a senior lecturer/ associate professor, conference manager, consultant and supervisor.

René has published almost 70 professional texts, including 6 books, many articles and book chapters, as well as professional DVD media. See: kortlink.dk/ucviden/ubvt. Latest an anthology in 2019 with contributions by Elspeth McAdam, Ken Gergen, Karl Tomm, Bliss Browne and many more. He has also been co-editor of the professional journal Cognition og pedagogic for a number of years.