Positive Teaching

Book excerpt: Problems of classroom management and control are a recurring concern for many teachers. Disruptive behaviour and inattention hinder effective learning and impose a constant drain upon the teachers’ emotional resources. Continual nagging at children only increases teacher stress: what is needed is an effective alternative set of strategies. Originally published in 1984, Positive Teaching seeks to meets this need by presenting the behavioural approach to teaching in a clear, direct and lucid way. By adopting the behavioural approach, problem behaviour can be minimised, or rapidly nipped in the bud when it does arise. While punishment may be used in an attempt to stop almost any kind of behaviour, only the appropriate use of positive methods applied contingently, immediately and consistently can teach new, more adaptive behaviour. This is a crucial issue in real teaching and is rarely encountered or even discussed in most teacher education programmes. It is the central focus of Positive Teaching. This book is for all teachers, from the beginning student to experienced head teachers; for those teaching in a first school, and for those teaching sixth-formers; for those experiencing difficulties and for those whose authority is already well established. The behavioural approach offers practical support to those who are struggling and a rationale for the effective, positive strategies of the successful. We can all improve our teaching.