Kzlcahamam 2010Managing Young Learners

Food for ThoughtThere are teachers who lack confidence in their ability to deal with disruption and who see their classes as potentially hostile. They create a negative classroom atmosphere by frequent criticism and rare praise. Their methods increase the danger of major confrontation not only with individual pupils but with the whole class. from The Times Educational Supplement) Cited in:Spratt,M.:English for the Teacher

When you think of a classroom full of Young Learners, you compare it to a/an

circusjungle disaster areachild-minding servicepantomime therapy couch party

boxing ringUFOlife-sentence soap-opera seat of learning aerobic workout adventure playground nightmare trial

Key Questions about Your Classroom ClimateRead the following questions about a teachers classroom climate and find out if you are a positive teacher:Is the classroom climate purposeful, relaxed, warm, supportive and does it have a sense of order? Are the students clear about the task and busy working together?Do my comments, particularly feedback on their progress, help students to develop self-esteem and self-respect as learners?Are the learning activities challenging and do they offer realistic opportunities for success?Do I make good use of different sources of motivation?Does my behaviour convey positive expectations?Do I successfully convey a personal interest in and care of the progress of each pupil?Is my relationship with pupils based on mutual respect and rapport?Does the appearance and layout of the classroom covey positive expectations and facilitate the activities which occur?

Fairness in classroom control Calmness Teacher remains calm when reprimanding and avoids shouting to minimise embarrassmentClarity of rules Rules are made clear and reasons for punishment stated to avoid disruption to learningAppropriate punishment Teachers should avoid the use of extreme punishments and punishments unrelated to the eventFairness Teachers should give fair warning and correctly identify the misbehaving studentAcceptance of responsibility Teachers should accept responsibility to maintain a positive learning atmosphere

Effective handling of misbehaviour Target correctly Be firm Build on your rapport /respect Emphasise the positive Follow through psychologically Avoid confrontations Criticise the behaviour not the pupil Be pre-emptive State rules and rationale

Effective handling of misbehaviour Be consistent Avoid hostile remarks Avoid unfair comparisons Be consistent Avoid idle threats Make an example Avoid reprimanding the whole class

Particular types of punishments Detention Extra workLoss of priviledgesExclusion from the classInforming significant othersVerbal intimidationSymbolic punishmentsExclusion form school/class

Key SuggestionsTeacher is prepared Punishments are meaningfulTeacher is informed Homework is purposefulClass rules are known Progress is obviousMeta-language is consistent Material is a appropriateLearning tasks are varied Groups are varied Rewards are meaningful

A farewell poemPlease Mrs Butler This boy Derek DrewKeeps copying my work, Miss, What shall I do?Go and sit in the hall, dear. Go and sit in the sink.Take your books on the roof, my lamb.Do whatever you think.Please Mrs Butler. This boy Derek DrewKeeps taking my rubber,Miss.What shall I do ? Keep it in your hand, dear. Hide it up your vest. Swallow it if you like, my love. Do what you think best. Please Mrs Butler This boy Derek Drew Keeps calling me rude names, Miss. What shall I do? Lock yourself in the cupboard, dear . Run away to sea. Do whatever you can, my flower. But don't ask me!

Please Mrs Butler (Ahlberg, A (1983)