Challenging behaviour in the classroom can be a disruptive force that impedes learning and creates a stressful environment for both teachers and students. However, there are a number of strategies that teachers can employ to effectively manage negative behaviour and create a more positive and productive learning environment.
One of the most important things that teachers can do to manage challenging behaviour is to build positive relationships with their students. When pupils feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to respect them and follow their rules. Teachers can build positive relationships by taking the time to get to know their students, showing them that they care, and providing them with support and encouragement. Something as simple as greeting every pupil by name when they arrive in your classroom can be hugely impactful. Allow pupils to have fun with their work, within clear guidelines – for example, allowing grammar games wherein your example sentence to practice using superlatives is ‘My teacher tells the best jokes in the world!’ and accepting in response their practice sentences of ‘My teacher tells the worst jokes ever!’ Don’t allow this to become personal or disrespectful, but a bit of gentle banter can be a really positive thing.
It is important for students to know what is expected of them in the classroom. Teachers should clearly communicate their expectations and rules to students, and they should be consistent in enforcing them. When students know what is expected of them, they are more likely to follow the rules. They are also more likely to show respect to teachers who show that they are fair. Consider allowing pupils to collaborate on these rules, to create a feeling of shared ownership over the classroom ethos.
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that can be used to encourage desirable behaviour. When students exhibit positive behaviour, teachers should praise them and provide them with other forms of positive reinforcement, such as rewards or privileges. Positive reinforcement can help to increase the likelihood that pupils will repeat the desired behaviour. Encourage the pupils to use positive reinforcement with one another too.
When pupils are exhibiting challenging behaviour, it is important to redirect them to a more appropriate behaviour. Teachers can do this by providing pupils with alternative activities or tasks, or by giving them clear instructions on how to redirect their behaviour. Perhaps have a section of your classroom dedicated to redirection / calming behaviours, if this is an ongoing issue.
If teachers are struggling to manage challenging behaviour, they should not hesitate to seek support from their colleagues. There are a number of resources available to help teachers deal with challenging behaviour, and teachers should not feel like they have to go through it alone. You’ll often find that other members of staff have similar issues, so you can collaborate to find a solution that supports you both.
By implementing these strategies, teachers can create a more positive and productive learning environment for all pupils.
Challenging behaviour is a normal part of childhood, and it is important for teachers to be patient and understanding. By using the strategies outlined in this blog, teachers can effectively manage challenging behaviour and create a more positive and productive learning environment for all students.
At TT Education, we have an array of on-demand courses that will help you to gain confidence in responding and managing challenging behaviour in the classroom and in the school setting. Challenging Behaviour and How to Overcome It for Teachers and Tas is a one-day course that will enable you to reflect on your approach to behaviour management and understand how factors such as trauma, relationships and belonging can affect children’s behaviour. Enjoy this on-demand course through any internet-enabled device, wherever, whenever. Pause, rewind, repeat and enjoy….!