Improving the behaviour of pupils to maximise learning is one of the most difficult challenges facing student teachers. It is the topic they most frequently request yet at times little time is allocated for it in most ITT programmes. In order to help students to develop the skills required, 26 scenarios have been created for subject tutors to use with groups of trainee teachers as a part of their training programme. The materials are equally suitable for use as the basis for short courses on behaviour improvement and for use by mentors in schools.
Whilst tutors and mentors may already be familiar with much of the content of the scenarios, the resource draws together information for those who wish to:
- be reminded about the key concepts in behaviour for learning
- see further explanation of the learning methodology
- receive assistance with planning a session
- be provided with links to resources and further information.
The inserts are designed to slot into an existing ITT programme and to be flexible and adaptable. Although they present one or more answers in each case, they do not cover every aspect of each problem; moreover, the scenarios represent a selection from some of those which might be encountered by trainees and early-career teachers. There will obviously be different solutions to different situations and tutors and mentors will be able to elaborate on these and discuss them as appropriate. The suggested approaches do follow current good practice guidelines about improving behaviour for learning but are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive.
The opportunity for reflection, trying out different approaches, discussion, further reflection and the development of good practice are important features of these resources.
This would be present a difficult situation for any teacher, however experienced, especially if new to a school and not familiar with, or known to, the pupils.
Several different strategies are suggested and trainees will have the opportunity to discuss and evaluate these as well as clarifying their ideas about what to do if faced with an emergency.
Trainees cannot act in isolation and an exploration of this situation will bring them into a close consideration of school policies, practices and ethos. It is also a good opportunity for tutors and mentors to emphasise to trainees that they will be supported at close hand by experienced teachers in addressing serious misbehaviour. However regrettable such incidents are, the trainee should endeavour to observe the strategies ad opted by these more experienced staff.
It is also important for tutors and mentors to stress that trainee teaches should not take risks that might put them in personal danger when trying to de-escalate a conflict. They will discover and develop approaches with which they are confident over time. They should seek help when needed.
The consideration here is not only for the safety of the pupils but is also about managing groups of pupils in unstructured times.
Each scenario is supported by PowerPoint slides
These resources have been developed in association with Centre for Learning Behaviour Ltd. (CfLB)