A new range of free resources has been announced to help Australia’s teachers manage classroom behaviour.
The announcement comes as research from the OECD shows one in three teachers report losing teaching time due to disruptive behaviour, significantly impacting students’ ability to learn.
According to a 2024 survey, half of Queensland state school teachers reported that managing classroom behaviour was their primary challenge, diverting time from their core job of educating students.
To address this, the new resources cover a wide range of critical classroom management practices, including the use of acknowledgement and praise, clear communication, classroom scanning, voice control and strategies for responding to disengaged and disruptive behaviours.
This is the third set of ‘Engaged Classrooms’ resources developed by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) in consultation with teachers and classrooms management expert, Dr Tim McDonald.
“These resources are a collaborative blueprint for creating more responsive, inclusive and effective learning environments,” Dr McDonald said.
“By supporting teachers with practical, evidence-based strategies, we’re not just improving classroom management, we’re working to enhance the entire educational experience for students and educators alike.”
Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, said the new resources – currently available on AERO’s website – will help teachers starting out, those working in new environments, and experienced teachers who want to refine or refresh their classroom management practice.
“A lot of teachers tell me that when they leave university and jump into the classroom for the first time they don’t feel as prepared as they should to manage a classroom full of students,” Clare said.
“By providing these resources to teachers we can help them to manage the classroom which is good for them and good for their students. When students are fully engaged in the classroom, they learn at their best and teachers have more time to teach.”