Teacher Development: Promoting Positive Behaviour in the Classroom

At times, teaching can be a challenging and perplexing profession – but at its best, seeing and reaping the undisputable rewards provides unbeatable moments of magic. As summer draws closer, classrooms invariably get hotter and children become more excitable. Unfortunately, it is at times like this when some pupils can become agitated and disruptive, waiting impatiently for the end of class bell to ring.

Whatever the weather, the creation and maintenance of an orderly working environment are prerequisites to effective learning and teaching. Pupil behaviour is, therefore, a school improvement matter and holds the same importance as development planning or target-setting. In those classrooms where, for whatever reason, discipline cannot be effectively managed, even the most committed teacher can find it difficult to bring about improvements in pupils’ attainments.

Conversely, it is also true that efforts to improve pupils’ learning can often have a beneficial effect on classroom behaviour; the pupil who feels he or she is succeeding in his or her school work is less likely to display a behaviour problem.

Classroom behaviour is one of the trickiest issues that teachers face today. Disruptive behaviour results in lost curriculum time, creating a classroom environment that is not always conducive to learning. As public concern increases, so too does the expectation for school staff to ensure positive behaviour is displayed by each and every child. Through teacher training, both prospective and experienced teachers are able to understand the fundamental and practical strategies to ensure successful behaviour management.

With the training, learning and development opportunities that New Directions offers, teachers can enhance their understanding of promoting positive behaviour through training, learning and development.

The first step to take in promoting positive behaviour begins with you; arm yourself with the tools and knowledge to deal with difficult and challenging individuals and you will find that both you and your pupils will see classroom confidence and ability hit top marks.