P12

Good behaviour

One of the biggest worries for students and newly qualified teachers is that they won’t be able to control their class. Here are our tips on how to make a good start.

Classroom control is a skill you acquire with experience. If you’re worried, remember you’re not alone. These tips will help you stay on top of things in your lessons.

Get your school’s behaviour policy

Whether you are starting your first placement or your first teaching job, be aware of your school’s behaviour and discipline policy. Your tutor or school-based mentor should provide you with a copy. If they don’t, ask them.

Approach your lessons methodically. This will help you retain control. Start off by setting clear expectations which will help you establish an orderly, calm environment.

Give clear instructions, check that everyone understands and tell your pupils what you expect them to have achieved by the end of the lesson. Prompt feedback is very important. When you set tasks, follow them up and display the work, where appropriate, so that pupils can see their work and your response to it.

 Try an NUT course!

The NUT runs courses on behaviour management. For details visit www.teachers.org.uk/cpd.

If you are newly qualified, sign up to our NQT course in March 2012. The course gives a range of strategies to take back to the classroom, including behaviour management and dealing with parents. Visit www.teachers.org.uk/training.

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