Here are three strategies to help deal with low level disruption:

1. Remove the audience factor, try and talk to the student quietly on a 1:1 basis.

Whenever possible remind them of past successes and capabilities or statrt by offering the support/assistance. They are more likely to listen when you start with something positive – ranting and nagging switches them off straight away.

2. Give them a responsibility/ask them for help

 We can change the mood of difficult students very quickly by giving their egos a boost and asking them for help or giving them a responsibility. The most disruptive students are often those with leadership potential or, at the very least, a need for attention. We can use this as an advantage by meeting this need.

3. Use the language of Choice

Giving limited choices to students is a way of getting our instructions followed whilst still allowing them to save face. When we give direct instructions such as ‘Move here NOW!' it can be difficult for some students to ‘back down' and comply in front of their friends. Giving them a limited choice gives them some breathing space and is easier to swallow but still gives a clear indication of our expectations…

"Do you want to move closer to the board or remain where you are?"

"Do you need me to help you or can you get on with things on your own?"

"What are you supposed to be doing? What happens if you don't do it? Is that what you want? What are you going to choose?"