The 7 Signs You’re Losing Control of Your Class

We’re over half way through the year now, and no doubt you’ve been trying your hardest to keep your classes on a tight leash.

But now’s also the time, with spring approaching and youthful exuberance in full flow that your class can start to slip away from you.

So what are the early warning signs, so that you can address it before the learning starts to suffer?

Lack of Respect

Are your class still showing you the same level of respect that a) you deserve and b) you’ve come to expect? Where once a question was asked politely with hands up is it now shouted across the classroom? Can students not be bothered even to bring the correct equipment?

Increased Lateness

As well as being a symptom of a general decline in behaviour lateness can cause it too – if not handled effectively. When a student comes late to class don’t let it put you off your flow or disrupt your lesson, just give them ‘the look’ and pick them up on it once the whole class has settled down to work.

Lowering Achievement

Have you had a few poor homeworks on the bounce? Maybe now’s the time to start thinking seriously about the class’ behaviour. Poor performance is a clear sign of disengagement and when pupils start to get disengaged, behaviour is the next thing to suffer.

Take a Long Time to Settle

Do your students always seem to have something better to do these days rather than start your lessons?

They Take Things too Far

Everyone likes a good laugh and a joke, but lately have things been getting a bit out of hand? Have you been getting a glare in through the window when the deputy head passes your classes? Do you find that when a member of senior management do pop in the class instantly quietens down?

Questions from Colleagues

Teachers are usually thoughtful about approaching colleagues directly about behaviour problems in their classes, but have you been asked quite a few questions recently about a class? Is it just a subtle way of your colleagues suggesting you address the issue before it gets out of hand?

Calls from Parents

Some parents complain about the slightest thing, some couldn’t care less, but any concerned call from a parent means you need to revaluate the behaviour of that class. What are the issues they’ve raised? Do they apply to your class?

And lastly the most important – what am I to do about it?

If you’re looking to improve the quality of behaviour in your class take a look at our new DVD range on Positive Behaviour Management by behaviour expert Sue Cowley. It’s full of practical advice that can help you put your class back on the straight and narrow.