A Teacher Guide - Addressing Challenging Behaviour in the Classroom

Welcome to this guide designed to support you in navigating and responding to challenging behaviours in your classroom. Managing behaviour is a fundamental aspect of teaching, and while rewarding, it can also be one of the most demanding. This guide offers practical strategies and perspectives grounded in evidence-based practices to help you create a positive and productive learning environment for all students.

Effectively addressing challenging behaviour begins with a deep understanding of what it is, its potential impact on the learning environment and student well-being, and, most importantly, why it might be happening. Viewing behaviour through a lens of understanding rather than judgment is crucial. Challenging behaviour isn't simply "misbehaviour"; it's behaviour that significantly interferes with a student's own learning or the learning of others, or that puts the student or others at risk. This can manifest on a spectrum, from frequent low-level disruptions that are frequent and cumulative (like persistent calling out, fidgeting that distracts others, or being off-task) to more intensive behaviours that are less frequent but have a significant impact (such as verbal defiance, physical aggression towards peers or adults, property destruction, or extreme withdrawal and non-participation). Recognizing this spectrum is key to tailoring appropriate responses.