Strength-Based Approach

The topic of behaviour management has a large range of questions and strategies surrounding it. In this essay the writer contends to demonstrate to the reader that using a strength based approach to behaviour management is more effective long term then a disciplinary approach. A strengths based approach focused on the strengths of students rather than their weaknesses. This approach to behaviour management grants students the opportunity to fell important, it also allows them to realise their own potential and see their teachers as partners in learning (Grant & Cadell, 2009). While a disciplinary approach can leave students feeling anxious and only has a short term effect over classroom behaviour as it does nothing to tackle the problem of …show more content…
Govindji and Linley (2007) suggest that when students use their strengths they are found to display greater levels of liveliness, individuality and wellbeing, as well as an enhanced resilience and an improved ability to progress towards their goals. A strength based approach also encourages students and teachers to see each other as partners in learning. This can help lead to an improvement in classroom behaviour such as a decrease in aggression and an increase in compliance with rules (Murray & Pianta, 2007). A strength based approach has been used in some schools to help students with defiant issues. Students who are defiant can be seen as unreasonable and stubborn however they are also very determined, motivated and resilient. By taking up a strengths based approach with these students you are reminding them that they are loved and valued member of the classroom. This can then help lead to less disobedient behaviour in class (Poutawa, 2013). Not only educators can use a strength based approach to behaviour management, there are many cases of school counsellors taking on this model to help students who have behavioural issues. This approach helps these students to see potential strengths in what might be referred to as there weakness (White & Walters, 2014). Strength based approach is not without critiques however. Arguments have been made that a strength based approach has no claim as a distinct approach, It is also stated that a strength based approach is not consistently defined or applied (Staudt, Howardw & Drake, 2001). There is also a perception by some that having a focus on strengths may cause a denial of the existence and severity of problems the students might have (Taylor