Explaining Behaviour
This largely theoretical module encourages you to take a deeply reflective look at the issue of problem behaviour – from a range of differing perspectives. As well as critically exploring ideas about what causes challenging behaviour, you’ll analyse and evaluate the structures designed to promote positive behaviour in schools.
What does the module cover?
You’ll critically explore the history of competing ideas about what causes challenging behaviour and evaluate these in light of the needs and rights of children. Identify the theories most likely to explain the challenging behaviour encountered in schools and settings today. You’ll examine how discrimination, prejudice, language and stereotyping can impact on children’s behaviour and investigate the legislative structures in place among others, to resolve conflicts and promote positive behaviour.
More Information
Module Code:
ED3019
Key topics
- Theories developed since the 1920s to account for problem behaviour: including the family, the community and the neighbourhood
- The impact of poverty and the cultural infection theory
- The role of the mother explored (Bowlby) and the role of the father (Andry) as part of family pathology models
- The role of schools, expectations and teachers
- Discrimination, prejudice, language, stereotyping and labelling
- Genetic predispositions and congenital explanations
- Statementing needs and legislation
- The rights of children and of clients
- Conflict resolution, anger management, towards self-directing behaviour
Pre-requisites
ED1019 Understanding Behaviour or an equivalent knowledge
Number of credits & study time
20 credits / 200 hours
Assessment
In addition to a number of formative assessments that you’ll need to complete as part of your coursework, you’ll also need to complete two summative assessments, each counting towards 50% of your final grade:
- A literature review (1,500-2000 words)
- An article for a journal: including a Bibliography and an abstract (1,500-2000 words)