Techniques for a Calmer Classroom

Hilary Nunns

Positive Behavioural Management

A Common Mindset

Students should behave like adults

Creating a positive ethos and climate

Remember: All adults in the college are role models

Setting Boundaries - classroom Establish clear routines Create your classroom culture with a code of

conduct Support other colleagues accordingly Reinforce classroom rules with

CONSISTENT CONSEQUENCES Acknowledge good/improved behaviour Written rewards (eg letters home) are

important

Behavioural Symptoms

Poor Social SkillsExcessive TalkingRisky BehaviourAttention SeekingSensation SeekingExtremely ‘Short Fuse’LyingImpatienceSwearingInterrupting OthersDaydreamingDisorganisation

Check your own approaches

Encourage a problem-solving approach with the student rather than a judgmental one

Be assertive in all dealings with the student, avoiding sarcasm and anger

Before reprimanding, sort out the ‘I won’t’ from the ‘I can’t’

Signs of problems with learning Impulsive actions Inability to concentrate Fidgeting noisily Calling out for help constantly Sighing Swearing Head on the table

Things that help with learning• Increase font size on handouts and PC• Highlight or underline key words• Provide handouts to avoid board

copying, or encourage photography• Use a lot of visual aids• Allow or provide voice recordings

Things that help with learning• Include plenty of IT opportunities• Do warm–up exercises immediately after

breaks• Encourage check-lists to be ticked off• Extract texts for research rather than giving

whole books to read• Break assignments down into smaller parts• Use highlighters to connect sections• Encourage grids

Ideas to engage

Show students the next topic or module

Ask students to come up with 4 questions that they will want answered

Things that help with behaviour Stick to the facts, not opinions Use constructive criticism and

problem-solving phrases Tell students what they should be

doing Remind Ignore attention-seeking

Who is in control?

Corey and the party organiser.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc0CB6URrV0

Causes and Triggers

Environment

Environment

DistractionsObstaclesNoisesVisual overstimulationRoom layout

Prevention

Look for the signs of boredomDo not focus attention on the

negative behaviourA quiet word is better than a

loud one

How to manage students who avoid work – disruptive behaviour Go and stand by them. (This works

best with boys.)

Bring yourself to eye level (crouch).

How to manage students who display disruptive behaviour

Use “Thank you”, not “Please”. Avoid the “worst seating plan” (ie you

sit where you want). Don’t contaminate teaching &

learning space. Be consistent, firm, fair and patient.

Motivate and engage

Discuss behaviour, when its good and when it’s bad – don’t let it be the elephant in the room

Use ice breaker activities to re-energise Engage in an activity within the first 2

minutes of arrival at class

Evaluations

Action plan

info@can-do-behaviour.co.uk

www.can-do-courses.co.uk

01737 321179