A Documentary Analysis of the Government’s Circulars on Positive Behavior Enhancement Strategies

This paper analyses the concept of positive behavior and strategies for promoting positive behavior in a country that has a centralized educational system, namely Malaysia. The analysis covers 91 circulars (official government documents) that were distributed to schools over a period of 40 years (from 1969 to 2011). The analysis uses a content analysis approach. The results suggest that the concept of positive behavior revolves around discipline and obedience. The term ‘good discipline’ is frequently used referring to the concept of positive behavior. Perpetration, aggressive and gang behavior are considered to be negative. The Government has tended to emphasize in promoting discipline and positive behavior: (1) strategies for bonding social capital and bridging social capital, and (2) discouraging negative behaviors using punitive approach, positive and negative reinforcement. This paper proposes the framework for promoting positive behavior and the implications for classroom management.