Strategy Source
Doug Lemov
About the Author:
Doug Lemov is an American teacher and author. He is currently the Managing Director of Uncommon Schools, which is a non-profit charter management organisation that manages 42 school across Boston, New Jersey and New York. He is widely known for this book, Teach Like A Champion. Released in 2010, the book provides tried and tested techniques to help teachers teach better.
How does Behaviour affect learning?
Good, or bad behaviour in the classroom can essentially determine the success of the lesson. Invasive behaviour heavily disrupts, and in severe cases, totally blocks any learning from taking place. This is because the teacher will have to focus their attention on those that are causing disruptions, and will not be able to share important knowledge with their pupils.
Students are then forced to wait whilst the bad behaviour is addressed. Or, worst case scenario, students may decide to join in and become sidetracked themselves. If the situation spirals out of hand, the teacher will find it harder and harder to regain control.
This can result in a lack of focus and low grades, for the whole class, not just those who choose to disrupt. If the bad behaviour is particularly threatening, this will also challenge the teacher's authority, creating tension and uncertainty in the classroom. A hostile environment will not help students flourish. When this occurs, Behaviour Interventions will be necessary.
What are Behaviour Interventions?
Behaviour Interventions are methods of reducing disruptive behaviour in the classroom, as to restore a calm environment whereby learning can take place. They can range in their approach and delivery, however they can be broadly split into three categories:
Behaviour Interventions that aim to develop a positive ethos, or improve obedience across the whole school. This kind of intervention encourages greater engagement in learning.
In class Behaviour Interventions. This kind of programme seeks to improve behaviour and focus for the whole class. An example of this would be to deliver consistent and clear verbal and non-verbal instructions to a students when they misbehave.
Specialised Behaviour Interventions are tailored for individuals with specific behavioural issues. This kind of intervention might include one-to-one meetings where targets and expectations are discussed and recorded.
What are the least invasive Behaviour Interventions?
Least Invasive Behavioural Interventions seek to put the attention back on students who are behaving well. The notion being that by teaching, recognising and rewarding good behaviour, will encourage all pupils to behave well.
These kinds of Behavioural Interventions will stop bad behaviour before it gets to the point of needing heavily invasive interventions.
Other kinds of low invasive Behaviour Interventions include:
Non-verbal interventions i.e. tone of voice
Positive group correction.
Private individual correction.
Enforcing consequences.
If you are looking for some more guidance on behaviour in the classroom, have a read of the importance of
Restorative Talks About Behaviour. 
