Bridging the gap : skills to enhance positive relationships between teachers and students with challenging behaviour

Abstract

Should teachers build a caring relationship with their students as an essential part of their practice? If yes, how should they achieve this? Which skills do they need to have, to build a positive relationship with students with behavioural difficulties? The quest to answer these questions led the researcher to undertake this project. A state secondary boys’ school was chosen for this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Head of School and two Assistant Heads, five subject teachers and two guidance teachers. A focus group was conducted with a small group of students with challenging behaviour in Forms Three and Four. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the different themes emerging from students, Senior Management Team (SMT), guidance teachers and subject teachers were compared and analysed. This study underlines the importance of building a positive relationship with all students including those manifesting challenging behaviour as a core element of teaching and learning. It also highlights that both students and teachers benefit from a relationship built on care and respect.