#206 Mastering classroom management with Ollie Lovell and Mark Dowley

Craig Barton
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Episode sponsor

This episode is proudly supported by HFL Education’s Making Fluent and Flexible Calculators. You can check out their ‘Making Fluent and Flexible Calculators’ programme here

Overview

Ollie Lovell and Mark Dowley have written a fantastic book – The Classroom Management Handbook. In this conversation, we dive into three of Ollie and Mark’s 10 behaviour principles: Master your own behaviour to influence others, Treat behaviour as a curriculum, and Success is the greatest motivator. We then discuss my favourite part of the book – the worked example or scripts that Ollie and Mark have written to show teachers exactly how to enact these principles in their classrooms. Whether you are a novice teacher or an experienced practitioner, there will be something in this chat, and indeed in the book, for you.

Episode summary

In this episode of the Mr. Martin Maths podcast, Craig Barton, Ollie Lovell, and Mark Dowley discuss the intricacies of classroom management. They reflect on their recent Australian tour, the need for a new classroom management book, and share personal experiences that shaped their understanding of effective teaching strategies. The conversation delves into the importance of mastering one’s own behavior, treating behavior as a curriculum, and the role of relationships in fostering a positive classroom environment. Practical strategies, such as positive narration and restorative practices, are highlighted as essential tools for teachers. The episode concludes with a discussion of the ten principles of effective classroom management, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their teaching practices. In this conversation, Craig Barton, Mark Dowley, and Oliver Lovell discuss effective classroom management strategies, focusing on engaging classroom dynamics, transitioning to independent practice, and the importance of behavior management systems in schools. They explore various techniques for maintaining student engagement, addressing non-compliance, and the role of AI in supporting teachers. The discussion emphasizes the need for structured approaches to behavior management and the significance of providing teachers with practical tools and resources to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom.

Takeaways:

  • The importance of personal relationships in classroom management.
  • Classroom management should be treated as a curriculum.
  • Teachers need to master their own behavior to influence students effectively.
  • Positive narration can significantly improve student behavior.
  • Restorative practices help maintain positive relationships with students.
  • Clear expectations and routines are crucial for student behavior.
  • Teachers should provide worked examples for students to understand expectations.
  • Behavior management strategies should be practical and actionable.
  • Regularly revisiting behavior expectations is essential for maintaining standards.
  • Success in behavior leads to academic success and improved well-being. Engaging classroom dynamics can enhance student participation.
  • Partial agreement can help manage student behavior effectively.
  • Timers can provide structure during independent practice phases.
  • Non-verbal cues are essential for maintaining classroom focus.
  • Teachers should preemptively address potential behavior issues.
  • Behavior management systems need to be clearly defined in schools.
  • Tracking low-level disruptions is crucial for effective management.
  • AI has potential to support teachers in classroom management.
  • Providing resources can help novice teachers develop their skills.
  • Creating a positive behavior culture requires consistent systems and follow-up.

Classroom Management stuff from the podcast

Ollie’s stuff

  • Sign up for Ollie’s newsletter here: edthreads.ollielovell.com
  • On Twitter, Ollie is @ollie_lovell
  • Ollie’s website is ollielovell.com 
  • You can check out Ollie’s podcast, The Education Research Reading Room here
  • Ollie’s first book, Cognitive Load Theory in Action, is available from Amazon
  • Ollie’s second book, Tools for Teachers, is available from Amazon

My usual plugs

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