In classrooms around the world,  Some teachers are able to get the best from any student. 

They stand out for their almost mystical ability to inspire and enjoy respect from even the most challenging young people. 

In other classrooms these students are out of control. They’re noisy, abusive and disruptive, but with these brilliant teachers, they quickly settle and become...

Here is a method any teacher can use to reduce workload and save time by dramatically improving classroom behaviour.

This method transforms student behaviour by making it easier for them to do the right thing. 

It creates 100% consistency. And it reduces stress, confusion and frustration.

There’s no need for the teacher to constantly repeat instructions.

No more shouting, no more...

There are lots of theories on the many different ways to make lessons more appealing to apathetic, disinterested students; to improve engagement, get them interested and taking part. 

Here’s an activity which, at Needs Focused Teaching, we’ve found to be very effective. 

It works on the principle that most disruptive students tend to be kinaesthetic learners - they need to...

As a teacher, have you ever had the situation where you tell a student to get on with their work and you find 25 minutes later that they haven't done a thing? 

You tell them to get on with their work, "Get on with your work," and you've come back to them later, and they haven't done a thing. 

I’m sure that resonates with you. Most teachers face this very frustrating problem at...

This is a whole-school approach to building a positive working environment as well as helping develop positive relationships between all staff and students. It is based on the principle that individual students’ efforts often get overlooked – particularly in a large setting. The strategy ensures that even the smallest improvements made by a student are noticed and acknowledged,...

A lack of participation in class can be a significant barrier to learning, often resulting from students feeling disengaged or insecure. This issue, if not addressed, can lead to a wider gap in student engagement and achievement. 

Why This Behaviour May Be Happening 

Non-participation in the classroom might be linked to a variety of underlying needs. Students' feelings of insecurity...

Power struggles in the classroom often stem from a clash between a teacher's authority and a student's need for autonomy, particularly in power-motivated students. Traditional disciplinary methods can exacerbate these issues, leading to a cycle of defiance and frustration. 

Why This Behaviour May Be Happening 

Power-motivated behaviour in students is often a manifestation of their...

Consequences are an essential classroom management strategy: students need boundaries. But one of the biggest problems with addressing misbehaviour through the use of consequences is that many students quickly become outraged if they are given what they perceive to be an unfair punishment with no apparent warning. Heated arguments between students and staff trying to control them are...

Power-oriented students - those who command attention of staff and peers because of their dominant personalities - tend to be those with leadership potential, and they will continue to demand attention until they get it. One of the best ways to give these students that attention, without spending the whole lesson running round after them, is by giving them some responsibilities.

Giving these...

Here are 43 Alternative Ways to Say Well Done to a Student. Think of this as your go-to list for those moments when a simple "good job" just isn’t enough. From a cheerful "You’re cooking on gas!" to a sincere "I’m really glad to have you in this class," these phrases are little high-fives for the soul. Get creative with your words of encouragement and watch your students light...