Teaching and Learning: Positive Behaviour Supports

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

1. Behaviour is a form of communication.  A person’s actions serve functions for that individual.
2. A single behaviour can fulfill many needs.  Different behaviours may meet the same need.  Why individuals act in a given manner may change from moment to moment.
3. Individuals are complex human beings who have unique personal histories and circumstances.  Effective practitioners must look at the context and conditions when considering an individual’s actions.
4. The presence of a “challenging behaviour” can be a signal that the individual feels that they are not valued by others, that they have no choices or control and may feel that they do not “belong”
5. The more capable an individual is perceived, the more their unusual actions may be tolerated.
6. Effective practitioners need well developed listening and observation skills.  These skills develop through practice and over time and are building blocks of effective practice.
7. Problems don’t necessarily reside within an individual.  Solutions may involve changes to situations and systems.  Support should be person-centred, meeting individuals’ needs.
8. Practitioners need to practice ways of taking care of themselves in order to be effective and able to support others.
9. Using positive approaches with individuals who may have “challenging behaviours” empowers both the individual being supported and the practitioners.