John Bayley observes top behaviour management techniques with a tough year 9 class, taught by former teacher of the year, David Torn. By the summer term the challenging behaviour has gone. So how did Torn turn them around? Having been provided with a framework for good behaviour, class 9.2 are now learning how to work together. Torn has turned the rows into tables and established mixed ability paired work into every lesson to encourage student speaking and listening. The class develop their powers of argument by creating criteria, which they work out for themselves through group discussion. Individuals debate whether Hitler was solely responsible for the Holocaust. John notices that David encourages children to elaborate their answers by continually pushing them to give him more and allowing them plenty of time to reflect before replying. He also notes the absence of leveling criteria in the lesson: David preferring to put emphasis on verbal and written feedback.

Video Series: Bayley on Behaviour - Establishing the Ground Rules
Release Date 2010