Classroom behaviour management: educational psychologists' views on effective practice

Abstract

The behaviour of children and young people in schools is a perennial concern to educators and the wider public alike. It also represents a significant focus for the work of educational psychologists (EPs). Research evidence has identified a number of strategies that teachers, students and school inspectors believe contribute to effective classroom behaviour management (CBM). Psychological theory has also been used to inform approaches to CBM. This study focuses on EPs' views about effective CBM. EPs within one educational psychology service completed an activity which involved them identifying strategies they considered were most effective for CBM. Their responses were analysed using thematic analysis. A number of psychological functions or mechanisms underlying effective CBM strategies were identified. Based on these mechanisms an approach to CBM is advocated which draws from differing psychological paradigms and principles, and which suggests that effective CBM strategies and practices should be implemented at different systemic levels. Limitations of the present study and possibilities for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• behaviour
• classroom management
• educational psychology