Helping teachers manage classrooms

The Albanese Government is investing $3.5 million to help teachers manage classrooms through a range of free, evidence-based resources released today.

One in three teachers report losing teaching time due to disruptive behaviour, significantly impacting students’ ability to learn.

Supporting teachers to minimise classroom disruption will result in a boost to student learning and teacher retention.

The ‘Engaged Classrooms’ resources were developed by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) in consultation with teachers and classroom management expert Dr Tim McDonald.

The free resources released today will help teachers starting out, those working in new environments, and experienced teachers who want to refine or refresh their classroom management practice.

A further two sets of classroom management resources for teachers will be released next year.

The first suite of professional learning resources includes easily accessible evidence explainers and adaptable best practice guides. Future resources will include video demonstrations, mentoring guides and support for school leaders.

The first set of resources are available at: https://www.edresearch.edu.au/classroom-management

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“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.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to AERO CEO Dr Jenny Donovan:

“Students thrive in classrooms where they are engaged in learning without distractions; where they feel safe; and where they know what is expected of them.

“These resources offer evidence-based guidance to teachers about explicitly teaching students the expected behaviours so that all classrooms are conducive to learning.

“By refining their classroom management, teachers will see increased student focus on learning and fewer disruptions, which will subsequently enable teachers to focus more on teaching, leading to improved outcomes for all students.”