Interpersonal relationships and social awareness play a fundamental role in learning, ensuring that students have the tools they need to navigate adult life. By strengthening relationships among everyone—administrators, teachers, students, school staff, and parents—we can foster a more inclusive and respectful school environment.

In this context, incorporating the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) into school curricula is the key to fostering clearer and healthier communication. NVC is a term coined by American psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, a specialist in conflict mediation. The practice was developed in the 1960s with the goal of fostering the authentic expression of feelings and needs, as well as active and empathetic listening, by applying essential elements for constructive communication.

“Human relationships are often marked by interpersonal conflicts, as well as by communication breakdowns. Instead of using assertive and nonviolent communication, conversations are often characterized by violence and/or passivity. Therefore, it is clear that there is an urgent need to promote training programs in schools that address the practice of empathy and Nonviolent Communication (NVC),” says André Daconti, a psychologist and specialist in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Expert André Daconti will be one of the speakers at the Bett Nordeste Conference

For schools, the benefits of NVC include a reduction in interpersonal conflicts, as students learn to express their feelings and needs in a nonviolent way; the development of empathy, because it encourages students to put themselves in another person’s shoes and thus fosters empathy and mutual respect; improved communication skills, enabling students to express themselves clearly and effectively; and the promotion of emotional well-being by recognizing and validating one another’s feelings and fostering greater emotional intelligence, which contributes to students’ well-being and mental health. 

Nonviolent Communication is a topic that will be addressed at the Bett Nordeste Conference, a traveling event organized by Bett Brasil, to be held on September 4 and 5 at the Recife Expo Center in Recife, Pernambuco. Psychologist André Daconti is one of the event’s guest speakers and will participate in the panel discussion titled “School Well-Being: Happiness and Nonviolent Communication,” alongside Patrycia Alves, Innovation Manager at the University of Pernambuco.

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For Daconti, the Bett Nordeste Conference will be a very enriching event, attended by outstanding professionals, and will offer the opportunity to share experiences on relevant topics. The discussions at the event will be guided by the central theme: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) in education: what should we learn?”

“Artificial Intelligence is a reality, and we need to know how to use it in a beneficial, ethical, and constructive way. On the other hand, Emotional Intelligence has been gaining more and more ground in our schools, and it is urgent that we discuss our emotions and social-emotional skills with our students, administrators, and educators. In this regard, it is also important to highlight another social skill—Nonviolent Communication—because educational settings need to be more open and equipped to develop skills in active listening, assertiveness, acceptance, empathy, and affective and effective dialogue,” the expert emphasizes.

CNV in Practice

Daconti has developed a “NVC in Practice” workshop, which is offered as a resource for schools throughout Brazil. According to him, through interactive activities, group dynamics, and real-world examples, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal development.

“The idea is for each participant to leave the workshop reflecting on the way they communicate with others. Often, we are harsh in what we say. We’re sarcastic and fall short of respect and empathy. The worst part is that we don’t even realize it—partly because, unfortunately, the world has become accustomed to harsh communication,” says Daconti.

The "NVC in Practice" workshops in schools cover a range of crucial skills, such as:

• 1. Using active, welcoming, and empathetic listening;
• 2. Identifying, understanding, and communicating feelings and needs in an authentic and assertive manner;
• 3. Observing situations objectively and without judgment;
• 4. Resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner;
• 5. Fostering empathy in the environments in which we live;
• 6. The Role of Respect and Assertiveness in Relationships.

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