RESPONSIBILITY THEORY® Book Launch
Written By Ragnar Purje
The Avid Reader Book Store at West End presented the launch new book release Responsibility Theory on last Thursday September 25th 2014.
Associate Professor Ken Purnell opened the evening where Ragnar gave an insight to how he come to write and what inspires him as a teacher and the journey he has had with this.
To purchase the book go online http://avidreader.com.au
Responsibility Theory® presents ten simple precepts which provides teachers, educators and parents with the tools to empower their students with the knowledge and insight that they are responsible for what they think, do, say, choose and learn; and to then use this knowledge and power to take control of their thinking and behaviour, which can help them to positively advance their well-being, their social skills, emotional strength, confidence and academic potential, not only for today, but forever
Mr and Mrs Purje
Caroline Russo and Angel Christo
Ken Purnell and Sandra -Younger Purnell
Ragnar Purje and LLoyd Jones
Teachers and graduate university students, who have been introduced to and engaged with the formal principles and practice of Responsibility Theory, have provided the following testimonials.
Australian university student, 2014
Who has been applying a mix of classroom behaviour management strategies
Having looked at a range of theories, contemporary literature, policy and good practice, the approach of Rogers (1995, 2004, 2006, 2011) resonates with my own personal belief of respect, relationship building, establishing routines, having expectations that everyone understands, and using positive reinforcement rather than negativity and putdowns as tools for behaviour management. Ford (2012) and his theory of Responsible Thinking also supports my recommended approach to behaviour management. Purje (2012) has refined this direction even further.
Australian university student, 2014
Who has been applying two different classroom behaviour management strategies
My research into these behaviour management models (Rogers, 2012) and Purje (2012) has informed my teaching practice. I am now much calmer when presented with challenging behaviour. I no longer engage with students over secondary behaviours, I take the higher ground and tactfully ignore them. I have found that this has had a flow-on effect as I am modelling to other students how they too can tactfully ignore disruptive students and continue their own good behaviour.
Most noticeably, the Responsibility Theory of Purje (2012), implemented in my classroom has empowered the students. They have taken on-board my trust in them to make good decisions. They have taken ownership of their thinking. Their behaviour is much more responsible. They are being mindful of what they say and when they say it. And they are enjoying their freedom to make their own choices. Most importantly, they are realising that they want to learn, they see value in education and they have a new respect for their peers and their teachers.
Shonel Murnane (Primary Teacher)
I have been a teacher for four years and I have worked in remote aboriginal communities and in suburban areas…I am so excited about this classroom behaviour management program that I believe every teacher should know about it. The program is simple, but extremely powerful and effective as it gives students ownership over their responsibilities and behaviours. This program would work in any classroom, in any year level, at any school and with all students…The program covers every classroom rule imaginable…I can honestly declare that this program has been the most beneficial professional development for my career and I highly recommend it to every teaching professional.
Toni Burley (Primary Teacher)
Ragnar has been working with my students and me…at my school. I am thrilled with the results and have found that even the students who are well behaved have taken on more responsibility for their behaviour and learning. All of my students who were difficult to handle and took a lot of my time, changed their attitude and their behaviour. In 25 years of teaching, this is the MOST successful program I have ever used in modifying and handling student’s behaviour…the program is simple, easy to implement and hugely successful. I LOVE the program and have seen amazing results where all of my students take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour. Now I can spend most of my time teaching instead of consistently dealing with behaviours. I highly recommend it to all teachers and all classrooms.
Brett McCook (Secondary Teacher)
I have no hesitation in recommending Responsibility Theory to any teacher, school administration or government department. Ragnar’s responsible behaviour management endeavours to assist the student to understand who is ultimately responsible for their behaviour and what strategies or techniques they can employ to minimise the reoccurrence of further episodes of inappropriate behaviour.
