Teaching and Learning: Positive Behaviour Supports

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CCSD 2350
Descriptive
Teaching and Learning: Positive Behaviour Supports
Department
Classroom & Community Support
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201610
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2 to 15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
Lecture/Practice 60 hours
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Small Group Work
  • Practice
  • Video
  • Guest Speaker
Course Description
In this advanced course, students will apply principles of teaching and learning to support people whose actions challenge us. The emphasis will be on communication and responding to individuals in context.
Course Content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  1. Behaviour is a form of communication.  A person’s actions serve functions for that individual.
  2. A single behaviour can fulfill many needs.  Different behaviours may meet the same need.  Why individuals act in a given manner may change from moment to moment.
  3. Individuals are complex human beings who have unique personal histories and circumstances.  Effective practitioners must look at the context and conditions when considering an individual’s actions.
  4. The presence of a “challenging behaviour” can be a signal that the individual feels that they are not valued by others, that they have no choices or control and may feel that they do not “belong”
  5. The more capable an individual is perceived, the more their unusual actions may be tolerated.
  6. Effective practitioners need well developed listening and observation skills.  These skills develop through practice and over time and are building blocks of effective practice.
  7. Problems don’t necessarily reside within an individual.  Solutions may involve changes to situations and systems.  Support should be person-centred, meeting individuals’ needs.
  8. Practitioners need to practice ways of taking care of themselves in order to be effective and able to support others.
  9. Using positive approaches with individuals who may have “challenging behaviours” empowers both the individual being supported and the practitioners.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Analyze complex nature of individuals’ behaviour, considering context, history & possible multiple meanings of single behaviour
    • Recognizes behaviour as a powerful form of communication
    • Uses context to understand purpose of behaviour e.g. health issues, social situation, emotional well-being
  2. Apply principles underlying positive behaviour support strategies
    • Considers whole person when supporting individual
    • Facilitates communication, connections and choice as essential elements for everyone
    • Considers influence of historical trends and person’s own history
    • Applies observation, recording, information gathering skills when developing plan
    • Enhances wellness of individual, self and others
  3. Practice clear communication skills verbally, written, & non-verbally in assessing, planning, implementing and revising positive behaviour support strategies/adaptations
    • Listens to individual communication including their actions, interaction and reactions
    • Collaborates with others (e.g. individual, team members, families, etc.) to make considered thoughtful support decisions
    • Monitors, supports and enhances team unity and effectiveness
    • Uses a variety of support strategies, e.g., functional analysis, assessment tools, social stories, etc.
Means of Assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations.

  • Summary Profile
  • Plan Development
  • Product Development and Analysis
  • Self and Peer Assessments
Textbook Materials

TBA

Which Prerequisite

CCSD 2340 concurrent