Herstellende aksie as innoverende benadering tot die aanspreek van uitdagende gedrag in Suid-Afrikaanse skole

According to the literature, the punitive approaches that are predominantly being used in schools today are inadequate for solving the escalating problems with discipline and fostering responsible behaviour in learners. Therefore, this paper, which mainly comprises a literature study, investigates how the philosophy and key elements of the restorative approach can be conjugated in a programme for schools that can serve as an alternative to the punitive approaches. This paper sets out the current situation regarding defiant behaviour and contributing factors. This is followed by a discussion on the different approaches commonly used to address problems with discipline in schools. From this background and in light of the need for an alternative approach, the restorative approach is investigated as a possible solution. The course and value of the international implementation of the restorative approach are studied as background knowledge for the implementation of a similar programme in South African schools, while schools as suitable environments for the implementation are investigated. The article focusses mostly on the key elements of the restorative approach which schools must include in their own school programme. These elements include how schools can apply methods such as theinternalisation of values, the development of emotional intelligence and resilience, the use of restorative language, the establishment of healthy relationships and creating caring school communities, not only to address discipline problems, but also to contribute to developing caring communities in the long term. The article concludes with a proposed programme for implementation.