OARS Measures and Calculations (Core Competency: 1.7)
Based on the OARS Skills Observer Sheet , OARS communication skills demonstrated in the certified peer specialist role can be readily assessed. Some certified peer specialists using OARS may find a more structured support useful in their practice. The table below identifies how to calculate OARS practice in conversations. Count hash marks in each category and use the calculation guidelines below to calculate practice results, then enter those results for each measure in the space provided. OARS measure Calculation Benchmark Result % of open questions # Open questions / total # questions 70% or more % of complex reflections # Complex reflections / total # reflections 50% or more Ratio of reflections to questions total # reflections / total # questions 1.0 or more Number of affirmations # of affirmations 1 or more When using this tool, it is important to remember that it will take time and practice to use these skills to a level that feels natural. During this process, continuing to connect and communicate with peers. Make the active decision to listen during interactions. Specific benchmarks are provided in the table above that can be compared with practice results. In general, skillful communication with OARS involves: • Asking mostly open questions to draw out the peer’s perspectives, experiences, and ideas. • Looking for and affirming at least one peer strength in every encounter. • Offering just as many reflective listening statements as questions. This ratio of 1.0 means that for every question there is, on average, one reflection. Advanced practice is a ratio of 2.0, that is, for every question there are two reflections. • When you reflect, use complex reflections about half of the time to reflect the peer’s deeper meaning and emotion.
FURTHER READING: Miller W.R. (2018). Listening well: The art of empathic understanding . Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock
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