Five ways using positive behaviour management benefits learners

Managing student behaviour plays a crucial role in creating a positive school environment. In this blog, we highlight some of the benefits of positive behaviour management and how these strategies can contribute positively to the overall wellness and success of learners at school.

SPARK Riversands Primary School’s principal, Zamajola Mnyaka, explains that at SPARK Schools, the approach to managing behaviour is based on showing respect, care, and commitment to helping every learner improve.

It helps learners reflect on their behaviour.

“Our primary focus is on using positive reinforcement and less intrusive methods,” says Mnyaka. She further explains that they first analyse the underlying causes and take appropriate corrective measures when addressing behaviour issues in and outside the classroom.

Furthermore, positive behaviour management teaches learners to reflect on their behaviour and be accountable for their actions. One of the ways that SPARK Schools does this is by asking learners to reflect on their behaviour and recognise their mistakes by referring to our Core Values, which are Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility and Kindness.

For example, if a learner behaves disrespectfully, a teacher might ask the learner to think about how their actions impacted the next person.

In that case, the teacher can use the core value of kindness to explain to the learner how their behaviour was hurtful and unkind, which goes against the value of kindness. The learner would then reflect on the behaviour and how it would affect them if they were in the same situation.

Creates a sense of safety, respect and trust

“Positive reinforcement creates a sense of safety, respect, and trust. This helps the scholars open up and reflect easier,” says Mnyaka.

At a school, our teachers must also model the behaviour they want to see from their scholars.

“Positive language and behaviour management strategies provide clear and constructive guidance on what is expected,” states Mnyaka.

Improved scholar behaviour

Mnyika explains that using positive language and behaviour management strategies creates an environment that encourages behaviour among learners.

“It reduces conflicts, builds strong relationships, and teaches individuals appropriate behaviours, ultimately contributing to a more positive and productive atmosphere,” says Mnyaka.

However, these strategies are even more effective when schools and teachers involve parents.

“Positive reinforcement creates a sense of safety, respect, and trust. This helps the scholars open up and reflect easier,” says Mnyaka.

Teachers can include parents by sharing behaviour management procedures with them and encouraging them to use the same strategies to correct behaviour issues at school.

Builds strong relationships between learners and teachers

They build positive relationships between teachers and learners to create a conducive learning environment. Therefore, when teachers build trust with learners, they develop trust between themselves and their learners.

SPARK Alberton Principal Toni Jacobs believes positive behaviour management can also help maintain positive relationships between teachers and learners.

“Children trust adults who can correct them without instilling fear and anxiety,” Jacobs says. She adds that teachers feel more equipped to manage off-task behaviour when schools have positive behaviour management strategies.

Positive behaviour management plays a crucial role in moulding children into well-rounded adults.

Children learn best when they are treated with respect and kindness. Positive behaviour management aims to educate the child instead of ridiculing and embarrassing them,” she says.

Tony adds that SPARK Schools aims to shape children into well-rounded adults. She explains that at SPARK Schools, Positive behaviour management plays a crucial role in moulding children into well-rounded adults. The aim is to help children learn from their mistakes and correct them.

“We all make mistakes, and if a child learns that making a mistake means that they are learning and not that they’ve done something wrong, we are reinforcing self-awareness, self-responsibility and consideration for others’ feelings,” Jacobs says.