Summary

Pupils learning to behave

Girls and boys have different approaches to learning. It is well documented that teachers perceive adolescent boys to be involved in most school indiscipline. Considering gender differences in learning styles may help teachers differentiate by giving all pupils a menu of tasks to achieve the required learning outcomes. See 'What is the problem with boys?' in A.Carnforth (Ed) Gender and Achievement:Education Underachievement Among Boys (pp16-26) (London; Lathcmere Press)

When pupils are involved in agreeing school rules and sanctions, they can improve their commitment to positive behaviour. http://www.angelfire.com/ky2/socialskills/InvolvingStudents.htm

Teacher strategies

Having a rehearsed idea of how to respond to indiscipline can help teachers to keep emotions under control.

Re-framing the way language is used when responding to pupils can help reinforce positive messages about behaviour.

Using checklists to assess the classroom environment can help to establish if any minor changes could help pupils to settle quickly and maintain concentration longer. http://atschool/edweb.co.uk/outlooks/Ffi.pdf