Positive Learning Environments

OverviewHow do you create a learning environment that's productive; one where students are engaged; learning and happy? And how do you ensure that inappropriate behaviours are kept to a minimum? This exciting new text introduces the key concepts you need to know to create and maintain your classroom as a positive learning environment. It begins by introducing four essential components that are the cornerstones of creating a positive; productive learning environment. These positive practices will set you on the pathway to success and help you establish classrooms that recognise and encourage appropriate behaviours while reducing the probability of inappropriate behaviours. It then examines in turn each of the four main groups of evidence-based approaches to managing student behaviour: behavioural; cognitive behavioural; psychoeducational and social justice approaches. For each it discusses the theories that inform them; their practical applications for fostering appropriate behaviours and also when and how to use them to proactively intervene; if necessary. By the end you will be empowered to select appropriate theories; approaches and strategies and bring these together to develop your individualised classroom management plan: one that suits your own theoretical beliefs; professional philosophy and teaching style.FeaturesEach chapter begins with a list of Learning Outcomes that foregrounds what you are about to learn.A 'Starter story' sets each chapter in a personal context; highlighting the relevance of the material that you are about to explore.'Professional reflection' activities help you to explore your theoretical beliefs about and preferred approaches to creating and maintaining positive learning environments; leading you towards creating your own philosophy for a positive learning environment.'In Practice' boxes give practical advice to help you put theory into practice.'You be the judge' boxes challenge you to take an informed position on theories and real-life classroom dilemmas.Pre-service and early career teachers share their experiences in 'Stories from the field'; bringing key concepts to life in school settings.Individual and group activities at the end of each chapter give you opportunities to review and apply the material.A companion website contains resources to help you get the most from your text; including; a tool to help you develop your own philosophy for a positive learning environment; revision quizzes; more 'Stories from the field' and weblinks.About the AuthorsJohn De NobileJohn De Nobile is Senior Lecturer in Education and Coordinator of the primary teacher education program in the Department of Educational Studies at Macquarie University. He has also worked in schools in a range of roles; where his experiences included working with many students with significant behavioural problems; and with their teachers and families; to achieve positive academic and social outcomes. His current research interests include the impacts of whole school behaviour management systems on student behaviour and teacher wellbeing.Gordon LyonsDr Gordon Lyons is a lecturer and researcher in the teacher education program in the School of Education at The University of Newcastle. He has been a classroom; support and executive teacher in primary; secondary and special schools; working substantially with students with intellectual disabilities and/or challenging behaviours. His ongoing research interests include the development of school-wide approaches to improving student welfare; and the education of people with profound multiple disabilities.Michael Arthur-KellyMichael Arthur-Kelly is a teacher and researcher in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle. He has experience as a classroom teacher in both regular and special schools; as a consultant and as a teacher educator. Throughout his career in schools and universities his goal has been to support students with disability to reach their potential. He is especially interested in translation of theory and research to practice in schools and classrooms.Table of Contents1. An introduction to positive learning environments2. Classroom climate3. Classroom culture4. Physical environment5. Instructional practice6. Behavioural approaches7. Cognitive behavioural approaches8. Psychoeducational approaches9. Social justice approaches10. Your first classroom management plan Buy now the item at ONLY: 99.95