If you are having problems dealing with whole-class disruption, or even engaging with some students on an individual basis, then one of the most sensible things you can do is seek help.
But what does ‘seek help’ actually mean?
A casual chat with a colleague who works well with your problem students can be a great way to get some good tips. For example, when I was a young NQT, my colleague advised me to always focus on the work being done, not the negative behaviour patterns being expressed. I changed my reciprocations from “Steve, pay attention and stop talking”, to “Steve, how’s that work coming along? Nearly finished?”.
This worked wonders, and totally transformed my behaviour management skills.
However, sometimes a casual chat just isn’t enough, especially when you’re having problems with many students and many classes.
I’ve developed a 5-step strategy that, if implemented in it’s entirety, is guaranteed to turn any situation of this type around for the better.
The following extracts come from my debut book, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management’. I hope the advice is useful – I’ve seen this method work with hundreds of stressed out teachers over the years and I know it will work for you too!
By Richard James Rogers