4.3 Manage challenging behaviour Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour
Example Reward System My second placement took place at a school located approximately twenty minutes North-West of Adelaide's CBD, within a year 1/2 classroom. This school is considered to be of a low economic status. I faced many challenges during my time there, most of which revolved around managing challenging behaviour. My placement was twenty days long and during the first week (which was of an observatory nature) I very quickly acknowledge the problems in the classroom. I took this opportunity to discuss potential management strategies I could implement with my mentor teacher. I suggested a reward system be implemented into the classroom- an idea which was welcomed. Implementation of Reward System Acceptable behaviour was explained to the students prior to implementation. The reward system was then explained to students. Students were told that if they were consistently behaving in an appropriate manner, their name would be written on the board in green white board marker. If students behaved poorly, their name was written on the white board in the colour red. At the end of the week, any students name who remained on the board in the colour green would receive a Freddo Frog. Reflection This system transformed the behaviour in the classroom. My mentor teacher was pleased and impressed by the strategy I implemented. Most students consistently aimed for greatness! I implemented the same strategy during my third placement in a year 5/6 classroom. To my amazement, the same results were achieved.
Example Notification Slip During my final placement I observed the use of this system. Notification slips were provided to students following three warnings (as a result of poor behaviour) or if the student's behaviour warranted an instant notification. A copy of the slip was provided to the Principal and kept by the classroom teacher and the student copy sent home for parent signature and acknowledgement. If my mentor teacher felt the student would benefit from reflection time, he or she was sent to the Principals office.