1. Use routines
Introducing and practicing routines such as entering and exiting the classroom, can be the quickest path to a calm and learning-focused classroom.
‘Routines do some heavy lifting in classroom management,’ says Tim. ‘They work by providing structure and giving students both predictability and security.’
Teachers should not assume students know or remember routines. To work, routines must be taught and practised until they become automatic.
‘Routines – explicitly taught and practised regularly – establish what's normal in your class. Students know and can predict how they should behave. You’re taking away the anxiety of uncertainty, not knowing what’s expected, or what’s coming next.’
Introducing routines to establish predictability, reduce anxiety and build equity in the classroom, as they set clear expectations for every student.
But routines alone are not enough.
2. Build relationships over time
‘The most skillful classroom management combines routines and responses with positive student teacher relationships. And the first step in building relationships is making positive connections with all students.’
Tim points to simple daily habits, such as noticing.
‘Noticing if a student misses class and checking in the next time you see them: “It’s good to see you here today Tim” and “let’s make sure you have what you missed last week” go a long way towards making a student feel that they matter, they belong and that their learning is what’s most important.’
Relationships take time to build.
‘Trust is built through multiple positive connections and developing positive student teacher relationships is a multi-faceted process. But in doing this, both teachers and students are much better positioned for great teaching and learning.’
3. Respond with empathy and high expectations
Even with routines, misbehaviour occurs. It is how teachers respond that matters.
Teachers can strengthen their classroom's positive culture by being a 'warm demander' — holding high expectations alongside a genuine belief that all students can meet them.
Tim believes that responding consistently with empathy and high expectations strengthens classroom culture.
"This is a skill that gets sharper with practice and reflection. When students see that you believe in their capacity to behave and do better, as well as responding with both warmth and firmness, you reinforce your expectations," he says.
Learn more about evidence-based classroom management in our Classroom management resources: User Guide. It includes practical resources and video examples from Australian schools.