Top tips for behaviour management in the classroom
Effective behaviour management is crucial for creating a positive and productive environment in the classroom. It begins before the students even arrive in class for the day and includes managing your preparation to put yourself in the best possible position to take control of the class. Here are some of our top tips to help you manage behaviour more effectively.
Create a positive classroom environment:
Generate a welcoming atmosphere to ensure your classroom is seen as a safe and positive space where students feel respected and valued. Display student work, maintain a clean and organised space, and greet students warmly every day. Create a seating plan that encourages engagement with your teaching and helps the students to work collaboratively with each other.
Set clear and consistent expectations:
Having a defined set of classroom rules that are clear and easy for the students to follow which are supported by consistent enforcement helps the students understand the boundaries and expectations you have for them and puts everyone in the same position when it comes to the consequences of their actions.
Delivering instructions to the class:
Always wait until the class is quiet before you attempt to give them instructions on a task or behaviour. This will help develop a link between ‘quiet time’ and focusing on the task they have been given and will start to condition that behaviour in the classroom.
Pick your battles:
Related to the above, knowing what minor behavioural discrepancies to ignore is almost more powerful than noting every infraction, particularly if you’re new to a class or on a short-term placement. Focus on the bigger issues at the start and move onto lower-level issues once major expectations are in place.
Use positive reinforcement:
Make sure to regularly praise those students who follow rules and display positive behaviours rather than just ‘punishing’ those who display the opposite. This can help shift the classroom culture towards one where positive behaviour is the norm.
Maintain a calm and composed demeanour:
Staying calm under pressure, particularly around situations involving challenging behaviour, can help de-escalate. If a student does misbehaviour, responding with composure rather than frustration can help prevent any escalation in the situation. Take a moment to pause and consider your next steps before reacting. This will help you gain a better understanding of the situation and choose the most appropriate and effective response.
These tips can help you to create a well-managed, positive classroom environment where students are more likely to engage in productive and respectful behaviour.