Theories and Models of Behaviour Management in Education

This is the fourth post in my Promoting Positive Classroom Behaviour series.

Understanding different theories and models of behaviour management can provide valuable insights into how to effectively manage student behaviour. These theories offer various approaches and strategies that can be tailored to fit your teaching style and the unique needs of your students. Let’s delve into some of the most influential theories and models of behaviour management.

Key Concepts

1. Assertive Discipline (Canter)

Assertive Discipline, developed by Lee and Marlene Canter, is a structured, systematic approach to behaviour management. It emphasises the teacher’s right to teach and the student’s right to learn in a safe and orderly environment.

• High Expectations: Teachers should have clear, high expectations for student behaviour.
• Disciplinarian Approach: Teachers take charge of the classroom and establish clear rules and consequences.
• Building Relationships: Teachers should build positive relationships with students by talking to them about non-school topics.

Practical Tips:

• Establish clear and unambiguous rules.
• Consistently enforce rules and consequences.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.

2. Tactical Ignoring (Rogers)

Tactical Ignoring, developed by Bill Rogers, involves deliberately ignoring minor, non-disruptive behaviours to avoid reinforcing them. This approach is particularly useful for managing attention-seeking behaviours.

• Tactical Skill: It is a skill that is relevant, particularly for non-verbal behaviours students often exhibit in response to teacher correction.
• Safety First: Never ignore hostile, aggressive, or potentially dangerous behaviours.
• Consistency: Do not ignore repetitive or disruptive behaviours.

Practical Tips:

• Ignore minor, non-disruptive behaviours.
• Acknowledge and reinforce positive behaviours.
• Address disruptive behaviours promptly and consistently.

3. Choice Theory (Glasser)

Choice Theory, developed by William Glasser, posits that all behaviour is driven by internal motivation to meet five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.

• Internal Motivation: Behaviour is motivated internally, not externally.
• Meeting Needs: Understanding and addressing students’ needs can improve behaviour.
• Positive Relationships: Building positive relationships is key to effective behaviour management.

Practical Tips:

• Help students understand their needs and how their behaviour affects them.
• Provide choices that allow students to meet their needs in positive ways.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students.

4. Dreikurs’ Social Discipline Model (Rudolf Dreikurs)

Dreikurs’ Social Discipline Model, influenced by Alfred Adler, suggests that all behaviour is purposeful and aimed at achieving social approval. Misbehaviour is seen as a result of mistaken goals.

• Purposeful Behaviour: All behaviour is directed towards achieving social approval.
• Mistaken Goals: Misbehaviour is a result of mistaken assumptions about how to gain acceptance.
• Encouragement: Encouragement is more effective than punishment or praise.

Practical Tips:

• Identify the mistaken goals behind misbehaviour.
• Use logical consequences instead of punishment.
• Provide encouragement to motivate positive behaviour.

Understanding and applying different theories and models of behaviour management can help you create a positive and productive learning environment. By incorporating strategies from Assertive Discipline, Tactical Ignoring, Choice Theory, and Dreikurs’ Social Discipline Model, you can effectively manage student behaviour and promote positive outcomes.

By following these strategies, you can create a classroom environment that fosters positive behaviour and enhances student learning. Stay tuned for our next post, where we will explore how to implement restorative practices in the classroom.

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Which theory or model resonates most with your teaching style and the needs of your students. Try implementing one of the strategies in your classroom this week and observe the impact on student behaviour. Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and continue to improve our behaviour management skills.