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If We Are Not Looking for the ‘Bad’ Guy What Are We Doing?And how do we communicate this to our community?
- engagement43
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
Friday, 7 March 11:40-12:40
In this session, Olivia will explore the concept of behaviour for learning (in the classroom) and behaviour for living (in the boarding house) by shifting the focus from identifying negative behaviours to fostering positive relationships. We are not looking for the "bad guy" in these situations; instead, we recognize that when we delve into issues or moments in the classroom or between peers, each student has their own perspective. Often, we discover that both parties involved can own parts of their behaviour, leading to deeper understanding and conflict resolution.
We will discuss how building strong, trusting relationships can create an environment where students feel safe, valued, and engaged. By prioritizing these relationships, we encourage positive behaviours that enhance the learning experience. Participants will learn practical strategies for implementing relationship-based approaches to behaviour management, such as proactive communication, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.
This topic is interrelated to the learning experience of each child, as children thrive in environments where they feel respected and understood. When educators recognize the importance of relationships, they can better support individual learning styles and emotional needs, leading to improved academic outcomes and reduced behavioural issues.
Ultimately, by focusing on what we want to cultivate - engagement, respect, and collaboration - we can transform the classroom and boarding house into a supportive learning community. This session will empower educators to reflect on their practices and adopt a holistic approach to behavior management that prioritizes the well-being of every child.
SPEAKERS
Olivia Bugden
Olivia has been an educator for 16 years, with 13 of those spent in international schools across Europe and Asia. She currently serves as the Head of the Ignite Programme, a 12 week outdoor education and personal growth programme for Year 9 students. Before relocating to Switzerland, Olivia was the Deputy Head of Personal Growth at a girls' school in Melbourne, Australia. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the development of behaviour for learning policies in four different schools and is currently leading their implementation at HIF.
The theme of this talk stems from her numerous conversations with parents and teachers following classroom issues. She believes that as educational institutions, we have a fundamental responsibility to teach young people how to reflect on and repair relationships, both in the classroom and beyond. It is essential that our policies reflect this commitment to fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in our students.
