The Responsible Thinking Process works when we are able to give those students, who are disruptive, the opportunity for self-reflection in a non-controlling and supportive environment. When a student disrupts the teacher will ask them to reflect on their behaviour using a series of RTP questions. The student then has the opportunity to decide how they will behave for the remainder of the lesson. If the disruptive behaviour continues to occur, the student is given the opportunity for deeper self-reflection.

The student does this in what’s known as the Responsible Thinking Classroom, or RTC Hangout. Whilst in the RTC the child will spend time with an RTP facilitator who will listen to them patiently, without making judgment, and help the student to develop ways of achieving their goals and get along with others by thinking responsibly and following the class rules, without violating the rights of others to learn.

The student works through a RTP plan and makes his or her own suggestions on how they can achieve these goals. The student then talks this plan through with the teacher/parent and negotiates a time when they, the student, can return back to the classroom. The teacher/parent can make suggestions to the student to enable him or her to fulfill their plan. A plan is never ignored or refused and is taken as a sincere commitment by the student.

The key component of this classroom discipline process is its focus on how students can achieve their goals without getting in the way of others who are trying to do the same thing. In short, it teaches students how to respect others.

Click the chill out botton to go to the RTC lounge room, and breath.