Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.

This page provides evidence for meeting Standard 4 (specifically sub-standard 4.3) at a graduate level. 

I took this learning course in the summer holidays of 2022, to further equip myself to deal with challenging behaviour when relief teaching. The course was collaborative and involved reading articles then reflecting on them. I was reminded of the skills I learned in my masters, and picked up some useful tips on how to respond to challenging behaviour from students. The course helped me to feel less alone and anxious about walking into potentially difficult situations when relief teaching.

18/1/22

I wrote this essay at the beginning of my degree, for the subject Developing Positive Learning Environments. It critically evaluates the teaching practice of a primary teacher on Youtube, and explains the theory behind using a physical and emotional positive learning environment to minimise the need for 'behaviour management'. It is my belief that when students feel comfortable in the classroom with their teacher and peers, they are able to take risks in their learning and therefore can gain richer learning outcomes. As a Humanist educator, I believe children are inherently good and should be treated as any adult would want to be treated.

In line with a guidance approach to discipline, I would like to try giving students the autonomy and support to make appropriate choices for themselves (Porter, 2008, p. 14). This approach goes hand in hand with McDonald's (2013, p. 9) circle of courage, suggesting students will feel a sense of value in making the right choices. As a teacher, I will have high expectations of my students, and reinforce rules consistently and fairly. Co-construction of rules will give students a sense of power and self-efficacy (McDonald, 2013, p. 124).

There is always potential for negative behaviours to surface within a postive learning environment, and I would like more training to learn to manage these. I have researched this topic and will continue to read and view information on effectively managing students displaying negative behaviours.

Added 2/9/21

McDonald, T. (2013). Classroom management (2nd Ed.). Oxford.

Porter, L. (2008). Young children's behaviour (3rd Ed.). MacLennan & Petty.