ABSTRACT
This unit is designed to enable you to reflect on your knowledge and skills in classroom management and to support the enhancement of positive approaches to behaviour. The unit takes account of recent shifts in orientation – in both thinking and policy – regarding the management of pupil behaviour. In doing so, it signals a shift away from reactive approaches, characterized by a preoccupation with ‘discipline’ as something which the classroom teacher imposes on pupils. This is replaced by the notion of ‘behaviour for learning’, which is more consistent with an inclusive schooling approach. It emphasizes that subject teachers are integral to creating an appropriate climate in which all pupils can learn effectively. This approach encourages the establishment of positive relationships between pupils and their teacher: this is now seen as the basis of a preventative approach, in which pupils themselves have a key role to play.
