Dr Derek Patton explores the role of positive language – specifically, the language of virtues – in engaging with young people with conduct disorders.
Derek is a child and family psychologist finishing his PhD on the topic of teacher dialogue that develops children’s thinking abilities at the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education.
He is also a casual lecturer and academic mentor in the Master of School Leadership degree training school principals in whole school positive culture change. He currently works in Victoria schools as a psychologist and previously worked in youth justice, specialist residential schools and with traumatised immigrant children.
The common thread in his research and practice has been the use of a positive language of change optimizing capacities and hope. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
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