Behaviour Management Strategies Every Teacher Should Know

When you see a teacher in complete control of their classroom, what's their secret? Here behaviour expert and experienced teacher Sue Cowley answers this question as well providing more great advice on tricky subjects such as what a teacher should do if they feel they've completely lost control of their classroom.

[robbiepeterh]

Confidence is very key. What a lot of teachers don’t talk about is what we do outside the classroom. Getting plenty of rest, eating well and relaxing away from school gives you the resources to deal with things that happen in school. Confidence and relaxation are intertwined very closely for me 😊

[JLaw]

Again, tremendous advice. However, I was a successful high school teacher for 27 years and in my later years, I learned NEVER to give out rules on the first day. Why? Because that is what most teachers do and I wanted to be the standout teacher of the day, so I made my first lesson first-class and most of my students after that class liked and respected me. Children will never learn much from you if they don't like and respect you. Don't listen to the cynics who tell you not to smile before Christmas. So long as you are mentally tough and respect yourself you can smile and laugh as much as you like. If you can make your class as engaging as possible you won't need to use too many behaviour strategies.
Confidence is a huge factor. Teenagers are like animals - they sense fear and discomfort in their teachers. You have to teach as if authority is built into your DNA - "Could somebody close that back door, please? Thank you!" To be a great teacher you have to be yourself, but you also have to act a little. I tried never to say things like "Look this way" or "quieten down". Instead, I did things that made students want to be quiet and listen to me. Great teachers have a presence - they manage to fill up a room with themselves.

[TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

Thanks for your great advice. The worst feeling ever in teaching is the first time a class gets completely out of control. It made me want to quit and never go in front of a class again because I was convinced I wasn't cut out for the job. It's catch 22 because to regain control you must be confident but when things go haywire the first time you're going to be intimidated. The first time I had success bringing chaos under control I did it by ignoring the troublesome ones and going around giving positive attention and praise to the ones that were being good. That can work even when you're not feeling confident.

[michellecolledge]

Fantastic advice. I am in real trouble. One of my year 9 classes (14-15 year olds) is out of control and I need to regain control asap. I am actually fearful of going to class tomorrow.

[ninaj]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been working as a teacher in Ukraine for 8 years and moved to the Uk. So now everything starts from the beginning for me. But in this video I found many things I couldn’t structuring in my head before. Thank you it is a big support for me!

[mikeryan]

I'm just going to keep watching these videos, because you're putting me at ease.

[GeminiEmpress]

This is helpful. My class has been disruptive. I will be applying these tips.

[icxvpjz]

Thank you so much! These advices, examples and personal stories gave me a better understanding of teaching. I found the proof and explanation for some of my unconcious feelings about misbehavior and the ways to deal with it.

[amica_geniale]

Thank you so much!! This advice has changed my teaching Life and I had never gained so much positive feedback and appreciation as last year!

[susycalleja]

I really love the content of this video. Thank you! 😀

[b_sugar]

I really love your accent madam! I wish our english subject is british english and not american english...

[triciacollins]

Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. A+ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❤️🍎📚✏️🖍😊👍

[nickr]

Thank you for your tips. I have a demo class with an international school grade 3 in Beijing and I do not have a PGCE. Appreciated. God bless.

[ascensioncano]

I am going to impliment our advices, thanks.

[WolfikCZ]

Thank you so much! You are very sympatic person and i have learned a lot! THX!

[sumanawathisumanawathi]

I can control like a senior new higher rank 😎

[angelaschultz]

I am a casual relief teacher any tips when you don't see them on a regular basis

[nasrobmz]

I really need some books about strategies to deal with this disruptive behaviours, if anyone can help i will appreciate it, thnk u

[science]

What is an NQT? Not an american acronym.