Supporting Learners with Challenging Behaviour while Advocating for Inclusive Education: Voices from a Resource Centre in Malta

Abstract

Learners exhibiting challenging behaviour in resource centres have become a significant source of concern for educators who work in these centres. This research examines the educators’ skills to establish a positive relationship with learners who exhibit such behaviour in resource centres. Furthermore, the study explores the adequacy of the training that educators receive prior to and during their employment. This small-scale qualitative research study examines whether educators have sufficient support and resources to deal with challenging behaviour in a specific resource centre. The semi-structured interviews were conducted following a purposive sampling procedure with seven participants, including subject teachers, learning support educators, and a senior leadership team member. The findings reveal that a strong and supportive connection between the educator and learners is necessary to create a mutually respectful relationship and successfully manage challenging behaviour. Furthermore, stakeholders must communicate with one another to prevent and appease such behaviour. It was also established that a stigma towards resource centres in Malta is still present, and the Ministry for Education should provide further support and training for educators working in these centres. The findings also indicate that the availability of resources in these centres should be improved. This research aims to enhance awareness about the challenges and realities of educators working in local resource centres in Malta.