Behaviour Tips for Teachers

Handy short tips on some frequent issues faced by teachers managing behaviour in schools.

The secret pupil technique
The secret pupil technique involves telling the class that you have selected a pupil and that if his or her work and behaviour is good then the whole class will receive a reward. If the pupil achieves what is expected, the person is named and the class enjoys the reward. If the pupil falls short, then the class is not rewarded. In this instance, it is vital that the person is NOT named.

Is it ever OK to shout?
It is important to distinguish between shout
ing in anger and raising one’s voice to warn of danger. There is no place for shouting if it:

• signals anger to the pupils
• teaches pupils that it is acceptable behaviour
• will make a noisy class noisier
• isn’t good for you – losing your voice is a real danger, particularly during the early stages of your career

Whilst there may be circumstances in which it is appropriate to raise your voice in a measured, proportionate way, you are more likely to get your message across and gain attention by speaking more quietly or by using non-verbal cues.
Remember to teach and model the different noise levels and voices that are appropriate for the context. For example: silence; pair voices; group/table voices; classroom voices – to project their voices when making a contribution to the whole class or answering a question; and playground voices – which are unacceptable in classrooms.

Getting help from Parents
Tips on how to get help from parents who don't see their child's behaviour as bad.

• Clarify the school's expectations that should be set out in the home/school agreement.
• Develop positive relationships with the parents.
• Explain that the school seeks to work in partnership with parents.
• Let them know when their child has behaved well.
• Make the parents feel that their views are valued.
• Keep a reasonably detailed and factual record of incidents like, 'Ethan left his seat, went across the classroom and hit James on the back' rather than, 'Ethan disrupted the lesson and prevented others from learning.'

Source: http://www.teachers.org.uk