Developing Positive Classroom Environments: Strategies for nurturing adolescent learning

The middle years of learning are increasingly recognized as one of the most challenging yet opportune periods for growth and development. Based on the positive behavior support framework (PBS), this book will equip educators with the appropriate knowledge, skills and strategies to support learners to maximize their educational success, manage emotional issues and make a successful transition to adulthood. Part 1 outlines the principles of the PBS framework, defines key characteristics of middle years learners and provides insights from neuroscience into the nature of the adolescent brain. This section also looks at the importance of listening to the student voice, highlights issues in the transition into the middle years of schooling and discusses the use of evidence-based PBS practices to encourage engagement and establish clear behavioral expectations with learners. Part 2 focuses on the practical aspects of implementing universal PBS strategies in the classroom including developing strong and effective relationships with students, promoting school connectedness and supporting self-regulation. Part 3 explores more focused and intensive interventions and provides strategies for working with students experiencing stress, anxiety and bullying. The book concludes by considering special issues in behavior management including assisting trauma-affected students, supporting ethnic and cultural diversity, working with students on the autistic spectrum and the effective use of ICT.

Dr Beth Saggers is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology. She has almost thirty years of teaching experience working with students on the autism spectrum and is an active research participant in the national Cooperative Research Centre for autism. She has worked with students in all phases of schooling and across a diverse range of educational settings and has extensive experience in working with students with challenging behaviors.