How can an educator help a learner with challenging behavior?

First, the educator needs to build up an ecological view of the learner, looking at the relationship between the learner, their circumstances and their surroundings. Then the educator should look for clues and opportunities to solve the problems that face the learner. Importantly, this should not be a catalogue of negative evidence, but a professional analysis of the situation where clues are found that can help the educator and learner find solutions. This will involve gathering information that will help the educator build bridges to the school and the curriculum for the learner, not just concentrate on the ‘bad behavior’. The learner MUST be involved in this process so that he or she is also consciously working on changing his or her behavior; without this involvement any intervention is really just behavioral manipulation. Figure 1 identifies the possible sources of a problem and clearly illustrates a broader view of an incident of challenging behavior.

Discussion

Recall an incident of challenging behavior. Did the educators involve the learner as well as other adults in trying to find solutions? Was the larger picture researched appropriately, gathering broad and balanced information? Could the situation have been handled differently, perhaps resulting in a more positive solution for the learner?