Acquiring social, emotional and behavioural skills through PSD : a tailored learning programme for year 3 pupils

Abstract

The acquirement of social, emotional and behavioural skills allows pupils to develop into holistic individuals (Csóti, 2009). Since it is a learning development, it is a teacher’s responsibility to help pupils build these skills for their own and others’ benefit. In this study, fifteen hours of observation in eight year 3 classrooms were conducted. Here, the pupils’ behaviour was observed during different activities and in different times of the day. Interviews were also delivered with the eight relevant classroom teachers, who were asked about their perceptions of behaviour and the methods used to tackle it. The results of this study showed that classroom atmosphere, pedagogies adopted and social, emotional and behavioural skills were the characterstics which effected pupils’ behaviour. This was seen when comparing the behaviour of pupils in different classrooms and keeping in mind these three aspects. Thus, the authors researched ways on how these issues can be solved and also designed a tailored resource pack filled with circle time sessions and relevant resources to be used by primary teachers with their pupils, in order to help them build their social, emotional and behavioural skills. This was done after an analysis of the current situation regarding PSD/ Circle Time in these eight primary classrooms. A copy of this resource pack was distributed to the eight participants that were later interviewed for the second time in order to give their feedback on the pack, which was very positive. Additionally, this research study showed that a tailored learning programme would surely make a difference in pupil behaviour and develop their positive attitudes towards schooling.