Behaviour guru Sue Cowley coaches a Year 4 teacher how to manage class noise levels by using clear instructions, time targets, and varying the teacher's voice level. Sue Cowley observes a 3D shapes lesson via hidden cameras taught by E'Van Tsang at Greenholm Primary in Birmingham. She is able to coach her about keeping noise levels down throughout the Year 4 lesson via a concealed earpiece. It is when E'Van is unclear or hesitant about what she asks them to do that the children become noisy. Sue suggests framing her words to children as instructions rather than questions and by the end of the lesson E'Van is correcting herself rather than relying on Sue's suggestions. Setting time targets and getting children more actively involved in handling the shapes as well as varying her voice level and using non-verbal signs also help these Year 4 pupils to respond positively to E'Van during their group work session.

Video Series: Manage that Class with Sue Cowley
Release Date 2009