Browse my books.
Solutions That Heal: Responding to Infectious Behavior in Learning Spaces
Drawing insights from 30+ years of classroom experience, scriptural teachings, and empirical research, author and speaker Alan Bandstra unravels social forces that impact learning environments and offers behavior management strategies that account for those dynamics. Stocked with accessible tools, Solutions That Heal provides remedies for classroom teachers and youth mentors whose learning spaces are bogged down by collective resistance.
Beyond Control: Heart-Centered Classroom Climate and Discipline
Classroom discipline problems may be reduced through behavior management. But what can be done about the factors that drive misbehavior? Weeds like negativity, apathy, and unkindness are too slippery to be uprooted through consequences or incentive plans alone. A heart-centered classroom climate aims beyond exterminating the bad by striving to grow something more positive in its place. Combining insights from motivational theory, Scripture, and 25 years of classroom experience, Bandstra provides encouragement and advice to teachers who struggle with the attitudes of wayward children. Despite the serious nature of this topic, his narrative style makes the book easy to follow and fun to read.
HEALING
Justin Ariel Bailey, professor of theology at Dordt University and author of Reimagining Apologetics
“Classroom management” too often conjures images of manipulation and conflict. In this book, veteran teacher Alan Bandstra shows us a “more excellent way.” Gently revealing our reactive tendencies, he reimagines classroom management as soul craft, carefully diagnosing contagious behaviors and applying healing interventions. The resulting approach is wise, stress-tested, and attentive to the hearts of teachers and students alike. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just getting started, Solutions That Heal will help you transform your learning space into a community of trust and care.
Jessica De Wit, director of learning, Central Valley Christian Schools
“Al Bandstra has truly excelled with this book. His approach to addressing classroom behaviors through a teaching mindset offers profound healing and restoration for everyone involved. By seamlessly weaving his personal teaching experiences with scientific insights from neuroscience and the wisdom of Scripture, he has created a must-read for Christian educators seeking transformative solutions that foster healing and growth.”
Dave Mulder, professor of education at Dordt University and author of Always Becoming, Never Arriving: Developing an Imagination for Teaching Christianly