This informal CPD article ‘The Proactive Approach: Improving Behaviour Through Structure and Relationships’ was provided by Opalite Learning, an education professional development reflective practice organisation that work with learning institutions to create positive change in teaching.
Navigating behaviour in an educational setting can often feel like a constant battle, a series of short-term fixes to extinguish fires as they start. While immediate responses have their place, relying on them alone will only ever yield short-term success. True, lasting change comes from a proactive, structural approach that embeds positive behaviours into the very fabric of an institution's culture.
To move beyond just reacting, we must consider the underlying causes of behaviour and the powerful impact of a collective, long-term strategy. This means shifting our focus from simply managing a moment of disruption to building a supportive environment that nurtures positive relationships and expectations.
A Structural Response
Improving the culture of behaviour requires a whole-institution effort. A collective approach, led by collaborative groups or steering committees, can establish the structural measures needed to manage and promote positive behaviour throughout the year.
Consider these key questions when building your framework:
- How are institutional values and expectations woven into student induction and promoted in communal areas? Is positive behaviour actively celebrated throughout the year?
- Do you know where behaviour is most likely to be an issue, and have you proactively put support in those areas?
- Is there a regular system in place to check on students’ behavioural needs and track peer-to-peer actions?
- Do you have up to date processes to report bullying, harassment and gender-based violence?
You can create a robust system that supports staff and students alike, moving from a reactive to a proactive model.
A Planned and Practical Response
Once the structural framework is in place, the next step is to translate those plans into practical, day-to-day actions. Improving behaviour is about understanding backgrounds, planning support, setting clear expectations, and crucially, building strong, positive relationships.
Here are some practical actions to consider:
- Meet and Greet: A simple "hello" or "good morning" as students enter the building or classroom can set a positive, welcoming tone. It's a small interaction with a big impact, and a great opportunity to check that students are meeting safety expectations, such as wearing lanyards.
- Behaviour Walks: Rota different teams to take regular walks through communal areas and learning corridors. These walks aren't just about spotting issues; they're an opportunity to build relationships, engage students in conversation, and promote a sense of a safe community.
- Enrichment: A diverse enrichment programme is a natural outlet for positive behaviour. When students are engaged in activities that genuinely interest them—from sports to art to clubs and societies—they are more likely to interact positively with their peers and staff. Be sure to consider the interests of all students and actively engage those who are "at risk."
- Positive Student Ambassadors and Staff Role Models: Peer-to-peer support and positive staff role models can be incredibly effective. Consider establishing a whole institution programme which advocates for positive behaviours.
We have the power to create progressive structures for positive behaviour, led by the positive role models in our institutions.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Opalite Learning, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
