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I'm always torn on this one -

On one hand I expect a level of self control and respect to be given to all
equally, but this is now something that has to be taught in class seeing as
it is not modelled at home or on most TV programmes.

On the other hand if we keep 30 people in any unnatural environment can we
impose our will on them, expect them to do as we say and not make any
challenges to authority?

In the long run it is finding the balance between social acceptability and
encouraging free thinking and expression.

Having a system in place is a good start point and everyone knows the
rules - the three cards or traffic lights to indicate how much chat or
questions are allowed.

Encourage appropriate outbursts or means of expression.  Reward the positive
aspects first and then quash the negative bits.  "Brilliant point Neville,
but how should you have shared that with us"  Wait for his explanation and
then let him continue with his original point.

I have a small group , one student has ADHD & is used to being yelled at by
staff or pupils during outbursts that can be  repetitive talk or singing,
one loud word repeated like a tic, pointing out someone else misdemeanours
or just butting in. I pick up the valid points and repeat them to the class
' x has just pointed out that....'    This is helpful as it shows x in a
different light to the classmates who have the habit of dismissing all that
this student says and it boosts confidence. At the same time I  use a hand
signal to reduce the volume of the repetition.  if the student finds it
hard to stop it is best to divert or reduce the behaviour to a tolerable
level. This leads to calmer behaviour & better work.

I am lucky in that all my work is individual or small group where it is easy
to intersperse what is perceived as dull (i.e. handwriting) with what is
perceived as fun (the games or exercises) whilst all of it has purpose and
value for what they are trying to learn.  By mixing the two  they are so
busy rushing from one thing to another that they forget to be resistant
about the writing aspects and just get on with all of it.  There is no way I
would want to replicate this all day and every day with 30 students!

Sharon Tringham

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