Scenario 1: Setting classroom standards Resources to support Charlie Taylor’s Improving Teacher Training for Behaviour Behaviour Scenarios Scenario 1: Setting classroom standards This Scenario has been developed for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) to enable trainees to demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding of behaviour management

Introduction Behaviour2Learn has developed 17 Scenarios focusing on the 8 areas highlighted in the Teaching Agency's document Improving teacher training for behaviour. These are: Personal Style Self-management Reflection School Systems Relationships Classroom Management More Challenging Behaviour Theoretical Knowledge Improving teacher training for behaviour has been developed by Charlie Taylor, the Government’s expert adviser on behaviour, to complement the new Teachers’ Standards that all teachers have to demonstrate from September 2012.

Scenario 1 Setting classroom standards It is your first lesson with a class. You want to establish some ground rules. How do you set about it?

Key Learning Outcomes Willingness to take responsibility for ensuring high standards of behaviour so that pupils can learn. Recognition of the importance of developing your personal style for managing behaviour, defining expected standards and agreeing them with pupils. Decisions about the standards that you would require to create a climate for learning appropriate to the context in which you are teaching.

What do you do? What would you say in order to begin to set the standards of behaviour you require? Consider these responses and choose the best one(s): “Listen carefully. These are the standards that I expect from you ….” “Before we begin, let’s remind ourselves of the school code of conduct ….” “Let’s agree some ground rules that will help us all learn together...” “Shouting out is a good example of what we don’t want …. I shouldn’t need to tell you ….” “I know you are all fed up with teachers going on about rules but ….” “What are the behaviours we will not tolerate in our classroom?….”

What might be the best choice? 3. “Let’s agree some ground rules to help us all learn together…” This approach involves pupils in taking responsibility for their behaviour from the outset. It helps them to work together as a group. The rules are theirs too. It puts the focus on learning - the purpose of the class. You should have the school Code of Conduct to hand and refer to this as a reminder that the ground rules for your class are in line with it. If, in the future, you need to remind or correct a pupil who is breaking a rule it helps to depersonalise the situation if the rules have first been agreed by the class – They are “our rules” not “my rules”.

How do you establish the Code of Conduct? You will help pupils abide by the class Code of Conduct if you: Agree the Code of Conduct with the class. Keep the rules short and simple. ensure that they are positive – telling us what to do – rather than negative – telling us what not to do. Frequently praise pupils who behave in support of the Code of Conduct – and point out why you are praising them. Always abide by the Code of Conduct yourself and model the rules frequently. Expect visitors to abide by the Code of Conduct and model the rules too. Publish the Code of Conduct clearly so that it can be referred to easily. Use the Code of Conduct to set behaviour targets for the lesson.

Underlying Principles Agreeing expectations for behaviour with the class at an early stage helps pupils learn how to take responsibility for their behaviour. Effective Codes of Conduct set positive standards for everyone, are non- specific, short, easy to understand and help sustain learning. The Code of Conduct for your classroom should be consistent with the Code of Conduct for the school. The Code of Conduct is not a rod to beat pupils with – it is best implemented using positive techniques e.g. appropriate praise and reward to reinforce and improve behaviour that supports learning.

Rights and Responsibilities Pupils have the right to know what is expected of them so that they can learn in a harmonious and well-ordered environment. It is everyone’s responsibility to behave in ways that support the learning of all. Creating a positive classroom climate is one of the basic responsibilities of the teacher. Schools are required in law to have a Behaviour Policy for pupils drawn up by the headteacher after consultation and agreed by the governors.

Activities to try List the five rules that you think students might include in a Code of Conduct for your classroom. Hold a discussion with a group of pupils and ask them to draw up a Code of Conduct for their class while you listen in. Compare their list with the list you had prepared. Note the insights that you gain and discuss them with colleagues. Collect the Codes of Conduct from several schools (you can find examples online) and consider how well they reflect the principles outlined on Slide 7.

Conclusions You are responsible for creating a positive environment for learning in your classroom. A Code of Conduct, in line with that for the school as a whole, sets the standards of behaviour you expect from your class. Agreeing ground rules together with pupils at the outset allows you to find out what they expect, and to show your personal focus on the importance of learning behaviour. Rules should be clear, positive and memorable. They should be displayed in the room and you should refer to them frequently. They should enable you to praise and encourage pupils regularly so that you develop a positive climate for learning. They should provide a structure for dealing with any challenging situations that arise in the future. It is a good idea to include behaviour targets, based on the code of conduct, in your learning intentions for a lesson.

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