Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) are strategies used to encourage and reinforce positive behaviours while reducing problem behaviours in various settings, such as schools, homes, or workplaces. The goal is to create an environment that fosters respect, learning, and well-being for everyone involved.
Table of Contents
Examples of positive behaviour support:
1. Clear Expectations and Routines
- Example: In a classroom, teachers establish clear rules like “Be respectful,” “Listen when others are speaking,” and “Raise your hand to talk.” These expectations are taught explicitly and reviewed regularly, so everyone knows what is expected.
- Why it works: Clearly defined rules and routines help individuals know what is expected and feel secure in their environment.
2. Positive Reinforcement
- Example: A teacher might use a reward system where students earn points or tokens for good behaviour, such as completing assignments on time or helping others. These points can be exchanged for privileges like extra recess time or a special activity.
- Why it works: Positive reinforcement encourages repetition of desired behaviours by associating them with a reward.
3. Praise and Encouragement
- Example: When a student demonstrates kindness to others, a teacher or parent might say, “I really appreciate how you helped your classmate today. That’s what being a good friend looks like.”
- Why it works: Praise highlights the value of positive behaviour and encourages the individual to repeat it.
4. Modelling Desired Behaviours
- Example: A supervisor demonstrates how to greet customers politely and handle complaints calmly, showing staff the expected behaviour in practice.
- Why it works: People often learn by example. When leaders model appropriate behaviour, others are more likely to adopt similar behaviours.
5. Teaching social skills
- Example: A school counsellor might run a group activity where students practice greeting others, sharing materials, and resolving conflicts peacefully.
- Why it works: Explicit instruction in social skills helps individuals understand how to navigate social situations and reduces misunderstandings.
6. Behavioural Contracts
- Example: A teacher might set up a contract with a student who struggles with staying focused in class. The contract outlines clear goals for the student (e.g., completing assignments on time) and provides rewards for achieving those goals.
- Why it works: A written agreement helps individuals understand the specific behaviours required and the consequences for those behaviours, both positive and negative.
7. Peer Mentoring and Buddy Systems
- Example: A new student at school is paired with a peer mentor who shows them around, explains the school’s expectations, and offers support.
- Why it works: Peer mentoring fosters a sense of belonging and allows students to model positive behaviours for each other.
8. Restorative Practices
- Example: When a student is involved in a conflict, a teacher may guide them through a restorative circle where they reflect on their actions, apologize, and work together to make amends.
- Why it works: Restorative practices focus on repairing relationships and encouraging accountability in a supportive manner.
9. Differentiating Instruction to Support All Learners
- Example: A teacher modifies classroom activities to accommodate students with different learning styles or needs. Some students might work in small groups, while others might receive additional time or resources to complete tasks.
- Why it works: Tailoring support ensures that all students can meet behavioural and academic expectations, increasing the likelihood of success and reducing frustration.
10. Pre-correction
- Example: Before students transition to a new activity, a teacher reminds them of the expectations and offers prompts, like, “Remember, when we’re lining up, let’s keep our hands to ourselves and speak quietly.”
- Why it works: Pre-correction helps students anticipate what’s expected of them and prevents problem behaviours before they occur.
11. Environmental Modifications
- Example: In a classroom, the teacher rearranges the seating to minimize distractions or provides noise-cancelling headphones for a student who is sensitive to noise.
- Why it works: Adjusting the environment can help reduce triggers for problem behaviours and provide a more supportive setting for success.
12. Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
- Example: If a student is frequently disrupting class, a teacher or behavioural specialist conducts an FBA to identify the underlying cause of the behaviour (e.g., seeking attention, avoiding work) and then develops a plan to address it.
- Why it works: Understanding the root cause of a behaviour allows for more targeted interventions that address the needs of the individual rather than just managing the behaviour.
13. Providing Choices
- Example: A child who is reluctant to do homework might be given the choice between two tasks to complete first, allowing them to feel more in control of their actions.
- Why it works: Providing choices increases motivation and can reduce resistance to tasks.
14. Self-monitoring
- Example: An employee keeps track of their own punctuality by recording the time they arrive at work each day and aiming to improve it.
- Why it works: Encouraging individuals to monitor their own behaviour increases awareness and personal responsibility.
15. Family and Community Involvement
- Example: In a school setting, teachers and parents collaborate to create a consistent behavioural support plan that aligns expectations both at school and at home.
- Why it works: A consistent approach across home and school environments helps reinforce positive behaviours and provides a more cohesive support system.
16. Celebrating Successes
- Example: A school might have a “Student of the Month” ceremony where students who have demonstrated positive behaviour are recognized publicly.
- Why it works: Celebrating successes motivates others to follow suit and reinforces the importance of positive behaviour.
17. Positive Behavioural Interventions (PBIs)
- Example: A school might implement a school-wide program like “Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports” (PBIS), where students receive rewards or recognition for demonstrating positive behaviours consistently.
- Why it works: School-wide systems ensure that everyone is on the same page and promotes a culture of respect and accountability.
Conclusion
By using these strategies, Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS) aim to create environments that nurture growth, collaboration, and respect, ultimately leading to a reduction in disruptive behaviours and an increase in positive outcomes for individuals and groups.
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