Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Natalie Messina S00184853
Philosophy
My philosophy on teaching, learning and behavioural management has developed
dramatically owing to my engagement with a range of behavioural theories and
policies. As a result, I am increasingly confident that the strategies and practices that I
have established in the following behaviour management plan will continue to assist
me in achieving my ideal classroom.
I firmly believe that learning and behaviour are inextricably connected. In particular, I
acknowledge that teachers must examine learning in both cognitive and behavioural
ways (Wilson, 2003). This means that I am conscious that students can learn through
an internal construction of knowledge; however, I also understand that learning
occurs as a result of students’ external environments (Duchesne & McMaugh, 2016).
When students are provided with a safe and supportive learning environment- one
with established rules, expectations, and positive student-teacher relationships, they
are more likely to engage in their learning, and, therefore, behaviours can be managed
effectively (Arthur-Kelly, Lyons, Butterfield & Gordon, 2007). To verify this, the
NSW Quality Teaching (QT) model (2003) highlights a quality-learning environment
as one of three crucial dimensions for fine teaching practice. Within this, it underlines
six elements required to achieve a quality-learning environment: explicit quality
criteria, engagement, high expectations, social support, students’ self-regulation, and
student direction (NSWDET, 2003). Thus, my behaviour management plan aims to
include pedagogical strategies and practices that prompt student self-efficacy and
responsibility. I envision an inclusive secondary classroom- one that invites
stimulating collaborative and individualised learning, so that my healthy classroom
environment does compliment students’ internal cognitive progression.
I believe that all students are unique; no two students learn or behave in the same
way. I particularly empathise with Howard Gardner’s (1983) theory of multiple
intelligences, which features a range of learning styles such as linguistic, visual-
spatial and logical-mathematical. Given this, I intend to create a well-rounded
classroom atmosphere, where different styles are combined through creative and
critical tasks so that all students’ strengths are maximised. As Lev Vygotsky wrote,
“Good learning is that in which is in advance of development which promotes
development further” (cited in Vialle, Lysaght & Verenikina, 2008, p. 68). I maintain
that in order for students to develop, they must be supported with challenging yet
achievable tasks.
I credit that not only will my classroom environment influence students’ behaviour,
nevertheless, there are numerous potential causes: biophysical, psychological, social,
and cultural, to name a few (Bronfenbrenner, 2005). Albert Bandura’s social
cognitive theory (1997), for example, argues that a student’s success is influenced by
their cognitive self-competence. Hence, if a student has low self-efficacy, classroom
misconduct is more probable. Moreover, Berndt and Keefe (1996) discovered that
peer attitudes and the pursuit of peer approval impacts students’ motivation for
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I explain why
I consider creating a sense of “fear” in students as unethical and ineffective; for this
my approach to
behaviour reason, I do not believe in exercising high control approaches. Instead, I believe that a
management is teacher should take on a more supportive role as opposed to an authoritative role.
practical. After taking this course, I have become progressively aware that ‘rewards’ and
‘punishments’ are not always beneficial measures of management, despite being used
frequently in the traditional classroom (Ortega, 2000). I now acknowledge that
‘discipline’, rather than ‘punishment’, should be used to work with a student in order
to correct their behaviour in the long term.
Behavioural Theorists
Bill Rogers, William Glasser and Barbara Coloroso are three theorists that support my
My extensive
research into philosophy and approach.
various
behavioural Bill Rogers’ Positive Behaviour Leadership (PBL) model directly aligns with my
theorists philosophy to build a constructive and positive learning environment and democratic
reinforces why leadership. In essence, Rogers argues that the classroom should be an environment
my approaches with equal rights and responsibilities for all (Edwards & Watts, 2008). The teacher
to behaviour
should act as an assertive, respectful discipliner by exercising a positive yet firm tone,
management are
practical. and a leader by modelling exemplary behaviour; whereas, students should be
provided with ample choices so that they remain accountable for their actions, and
actively participate in the establishment of rules, expectations and consequences
(Refer to the (Rogers, 2003). These ideas support my plan to develop a safe, considerate and
next page for inclusive environment- one where positive relationships are built through mutual
more). respect. Rogers’ methods ensure that students ‘have a say’ in how they behave, know
what is expected of them, and can see how they can effectively learn from negative
behaviours.
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Strategies
Working effectively with colleagues
This behaviour management plan aims to work effectively as a whole-school
approach. Axworthy, Olney and Hamilton (1989) found that when managing student
behaviour is carried out as a whole-school approach, teachers maintain lower levels of
stress, and links are easily made between misbehaviours in different classrooms
across the school, meaning they become more manageable individually. Additionally,
Roger (2007) contends that by sharing good practices amongst colleagues and
throughout the school, there is an increase in staff confidence, management
consistency and stronger communal support. Strategies that I can use to implement
this approach include:
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Practice
Rules & Expectations
In the initial week of the school year, my students and I will formulate a list of rules
and expectations that we consider to be equitable and suitable for our classroom.
Rogers (1990) supports that rules are regarded as effective when constructed on a
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whole class basis. I will ensure that our rules, to be classified as adequate, emphasise
the fundamental rights of learning, safety and respect (Edwards & Watts, 2008). An
effective way to do this would be to distinguish between ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’. These
will be translated into student contingency contracts, which will be placed at the front
of students’ workbooks and signed by both the student and a parent/carer. Students
will be notified that disciplinary acts will hone in on student responsibility; students
are expected to account for their own actions. Sample rules and expectations are as
follows:
Do’s Don’ts
! Be on time and prepared. " Arrive late and/or unprepared.
! Respect one another’s property. " Touch a peers’ personal
! Complete work and homework on property.
time. " Alter or vacate seats without
! Be fair, honest, and respectful. permission.
! Use positive language, co-operate " Be physically or verbally
and support one another. abusive.
! Ensure chairs, desks, and " Be interruptive or disrespectful.
electrical cords do not obstruct " Engage in horseplay or acts of
walkways. carelessness.
Codes of Conduct
Practices I will employ to comply with the DET Code of Conduct (2014) and
legislations include:
Here, I Stop-Think-Act When faced with an ethical issue, I will use a self-
strategise ways (DET, 2011) assessment questioning technique:
to uphold • Am I doing the right thing?
legislative • How can my actions impact others?
requirements to • Do I need to seek further advice from a
ensure student
colleague/professional?
wellbeing/safety.
Personal Behaviour I will ensure that my personal behaviour is ethical by:
(DET, 2011) • Being responsive to requests/concerns made by
students, colleagues, parents/carers or members of
the school community;
• being courteous, respectful, honest and impartial;
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and
• refraining from using offensive, abusive and
discriminatory language/behaviour.
Professional I will maintain professional student-teacher relationships
Boundaries by:
(DET, 2011) • Using appropriate communication;
• refraining from disclosing personal details about my
own life or the lives of students; and
• refraining from any inappropriate physical contact,
interaction and acts towards students.
Reporting • Respond to misconducts by reporting and
(DET, 2011) documenting matters to appropriate personnel.
Responsibility
My classroom takes on a student-centred approach. First, as a class, we will
distinguish between our ‘rights’ and ‘responsibilities’, so that students recognise their
active role in maintaining a safe and positive environment (Rogers, 1990). For
example:
When a member of the classroom fails to uphold their responsibilities, they will be
asked to complete a reflection sheet, inspired by Coloroso’s three-step ‘restitution,
resolution, and reconciliation’ procedure (cited in Filas, 2015). They will be presented
with questions such as:
• What about my behaviour was inappropriate?
• How did my actions negatively impact those around me?
• What can I do to fix it?
The student will work closely with the teacher to resolve the issue and establish an
appropriate consequence.
Seating plans
Being a secondary classroom, students will be permitted to choose their seating
arrangements. However, if ongoing behavioural concerns are raised, seating plans
may be instituted. In this instance, students who are persistently disruptive will be
seated closer to the front of the classroom and away from potential distractions such
as windows.
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• the teacher and any necessary presentations (whiteboard, smartboard etc.) are
visible to all students;
• frequently used materials are simply accessible;
• group work activities can be distributed with ease; and
• the room is without any inessential distractions
(Emmer, Everston & Worsham, 2003; Marzano, Marzano & Pickering, 2003).
Applied Behaviour Analysis: for students with diverse physical and mental
conditions.
• Antecedent: Observe what occurs prior to the behaviour.
• Behaviour: Observe the behaviour.
• Consequence: Observe what occurs following the behaviour.
• Based on collected data, create an individual plan with carefully selected
objectives and rewards.
• Consistently monitor changes in behaviour/progress.
(Duchesne & McMaugh, 2016)
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References
Arthur-Kelly, M., Lyons, G., Butterfield, N. & Gordon, C. (2007). Classroom
Management: Creating Positive Learning Environments. South Melbourne,
Victoria: Cengage Learning Australia.
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). (2010). School-Community
Partnerships in Australian Schools. Retrieved from
https://research.acer.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=policy
_analysis_misc
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). (2017). Australian
Professional Standards for Teachers. Melbourne, Victoria: AITSL. Retrieved
from https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/standards
Axworthy, D., Olney, H. & Hamilton, P. (1989). Managing students’ behaviour: A
whole school approach. In C. Szaday, Addressing behaviour problems in
Australian schools. Camberwell, Victoria: Australian Council for Educational
Research.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W. H.
Freeman.
Berndt, T. J., & Keefe, K. (1996). Friends’ influence on school adjustment: A
motivational analysis. In J. Juvonen & K. R. Wentzel (Eds.), Social
motivation. Understanding children’s school adjustment (pp. 248-278).
Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.
Bianco, A. (2014). One-Minute Discipline: Classroom Management Strategies That
Work. San Francisco, The United States: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (2005). Making human beings human: Bioecological perspectives
on human development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Brown, L. (1994, April 26). These ‘tools’ may help you fix your temper: [MET
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Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV). (2014). CECV Intervention
Framework 2015. East Melbourne, Victoria: Catholic Education Commission
of Victoria Ltd.
Charles, C. M., & Senter, G.W. (2005). Lee and Marlene Canter’s Assertive
Discipline. In Charles, C.M., & Senter, G.W (8th Eds.), Building Classroom
Discipline (pp. 36-54). Boston, The United States: Pearson.
Coloroso, B. (2015). cited in Filas, C. (2015). Teaching Inner Discipline to Students:
An Interview with Barbara Coloroso. Synergy: The online Journal for the
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Duchesne, S., & McMaugh, A. (2016). Educational Psychology for Learning and
Teaching (5th ed.). South Melbourne, Victoria: Cengage Learning Australia.
Edwards, C. & Watts, V. (2008). Classroom Discipline Management: Second
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Emmer, E. T., Evertson, C.M., & Worsham, M.E. (2003). Classroom Management for
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Secondary Teachers (6th ed.). Boston, The United States: Allyn & Bacon.
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York:
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Gordon, T. (2003). Teacher effectiveness training. First Revised Edition. New York:
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Glasser, W. (1998). Choice Theory: A new psychology of personal freedom.
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Klassen, E. (2005). Encouragement or Praise for Children? SIL International.
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Marzano, R. J., Marzano, S., & Pickering, D. (2003). Classroom Management That
Works. Research-Based Strategies for Every Teacher. Alexandria, The United
States: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.
Ministerial Council on Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs.
(2010). National Safe Schools Framework. Carlton South: Education Services
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Conduct. East Perth, Western Australia: Department of Education.
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Rogers, B. (2003). Behaviour Recovery: Practical Programs for Challenging
Behaviour (2nd ed.). Melbourne, Victoria: AC ER Press.
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Sleishman, P. (2005). The 5R Framework: Building Relationships and Managing
Behaviour. Journal of Special Education, 14(1), 13-27. Australia.
Vialle, W., Lysaght, P. & Verenikina, I. (2008). Handbook on Child Development (2nd
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