Many children today were not engaging in the curriculum, a leading behaviour change specialist said yesterday. Margie Carter warned using power over children by creating a fear of control proved to be inappropriate, disrespectful and ineffective for maintaining a positive learning environment.

“These current methods focus very much on an authoritarian approach to behaviour management, ignoring the fact that all behaviours are chosen, internally motivated and the best attempt children make at the time to satisfy their basic life needs,” she said.

“Research has shown behaviour is about teaching and learning, about setting clear boundaries; about creating and managing needs satisfying environments and teaching children appropriate behaviours within these boundaries.” .

“Many children today are not engaging in the curriculum and the challenge for teachers is to structure their teaching and learning environments in such a way that children are influenced to meet their needs through the learning tasks. Teachers need to be contemporary, consistent and respectful in their approach to behaviour management so as to support children learning to make appropriate behaviour choices within the teaching and learning context.”.

“Children need to be taught – on a consistent basis - what is appropriate behaviour in the given social context. Children begin to learn about taking ownership of their behaviour choices and not choosing behaviour simply because they are frightened of the consequences.” She said from an early age visual pictures, songs, stories, puppets and role-play could be used to teach behaviours appropriate to the social context.

“A contemporary approach to behaviour management views mistakes in behaviour choice as a necessary part of learning. Creating and maintaining relationships with children is essential in the area of behaviour development and management. The focus is not on punishment or coercion.” Dr Carter will discuss behaviour management strategies at an educational forum being held on May 31 from 9am to 4pm at Central Queensland University Mackay campus.

Other speakers will address matters relating to early years curriculum and professional teaching standards. The forum is an initiative of the Crhche & Kindergarten Association in collaboration with Central Queensland University and Education Queensland. For further details phone Central Queensland University education lecturer Cecily Knight on 4940 7401.