How do you create a learning environment that’s productive; one where students are engaged, learning and happy? And how do you ensure that inappropriate behaviours are kept to a minimum? This exciting new text introduces the key concepts you need to know to create and maintain your classroom as a positive learning environment.

It begins by introducing four essential components that are the cornerstones of creating a positive, productive learning environment. These positive practices will set you on the pathway to success and help you establish classrooms that recognise and encourage appropriate behaviours while reducing the probability of inappropriate behaviours.

It then examines in turn each of the four main groups of evidence-based approaches to managing student behaviour: behavioural, cognitive behavioural, psychoeducational and social justice approaches. For each it discusses the theories that inform them, their practical applications for fostering appropriate behaviours and also when and how to use them to proactively intervene, if necessary.

By the end you will be empowered to select appropriate theories, approaches and strategies and bring these together to develop your individualised classroom management plan: one that suits your own theoretical beliefs, professional philosophy and teaching style.

1. An introduction to positive learning environments
2. Classroom climate
3. Classroom culture
4. Physical environment
5. Instructional practice
6. Behavioural approaches
7. Cognitive behavioural approaches
8. Psychoeducational approaches
9. Social justice approaches
10. Your first classroom management plan

How do you create a learning environment that’s productive; one where students are engaged, learning and happy? And how do you ensure that inappropriate behaviours are kept to a minimum? This exciting new text introduces the key concepts you need to know to create and maintain your classroom as a positive learning environment. It begins by introducing four essential components that are the cornerstones of creating a positive, productive learning environment. These positive practices will set you on the pathway to success and help you establish classrooms that recognise and encourage appropriate behaviours while reducing the probability of inappropriate behaviours. It then examines in turn each of the four main groups of evidence-based approaches to managing student behaviour: behavioural, cognitive behavioural, psychoeducational and social justice approaches. For each it discusses the theories that inform them, their practical applications for fostering appropriate behaviours and also when and how to use them to proactively intervene, if necessary. By the end you will be empowered to select appropriate theories, approaches and strategies and bring these together to develop your individualised classroom management plan: one that suits your own theoretical beliefs, professional philosophy and teaching style. A ‘Starter story’ sets each chapter in a personal context, highlighting the relevance of the material that you are about to explore. ‘Professional reflection’ activities help you to explore your theoretical beliefs about and preferred approaches to creating and maintaining positive learning environments, leading you towards creating your own philosophy for a positive learning environment. ‘In Practice’ boxes give practical advice to help you put theory into practice. ‘You be the judge’ boxes challenge you to take an informed position on theories and real-life classroom dilemmas. Pre-service and early career teachers share their experiences in ‘Stories from the field’, bringing key concepts to life in school settings. Individual and group activities at the end of each chapter give you opportunities to review and apply the material. A companion website contains resources to help you get the most from your text, including, a tool to help you develop your own philosophy for a positive learning environment, revision quizzes, more ‘Stories from the field’ and weblinks.