Functions of Behaviour | John Murray

In this episode, Clare talks to John Murray, Principal Team Teach trainer and education consultant at Jogo Behaviour Support, about the functions of behaviour.

John outlines the challenges that professionals face when thinking about the underlying factors that drive behaviour, and explores what individuals might be trying to communicate through their words, actions, and body language.

John has been involved in education for over 30 years, and has worked in a variety of settings. Most of his career has been spent supporting children and young people experiencing social, emotional, mental health, relational, and behavioural challenges.

He has held a number of senior management roles within schools, including a special school, and has delivered professional development training around behaviour to a wide variety of schools and other agencies. John has also led and managed local authority teams, providing strategic direction and developing policy.

You can find out more about John and Jogo Behaviour Support on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

John also shares three tips during the episode:

• Consistency is key in any learning environment. When there is a consistent approach, children and young people begin to build trust and feel emotionally safe, because they know what to expect in any given situation.
• Asking, “What is the function of this behaviour?” or “What is driving this behaviour?” stops us from reacting, and allows us to respond in a measured and considered way.
• Identifying and understanding the function of the behaviour enables us to implement the most appropriate support, from a place of compassion and reassurance.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.