PGCE Behaviour and Classroom Management 2

Question 1

A trainee teacher shouts at the class to gain attention. Why might this be counterproductive?

Accepted Answer

It raises emotional arousal, models poor self-regulation, and can damage relationships and trust

Answer

Shouting can trigger defensiveness, raise the emotional temperature in the room, and model poor emotional regulation — calmer, more assertive approaches are more effective and sustain better relationships.

Question 2

What is 'strategic ignoring' as a behaviour management tool?

Accepted Answer

Deliberately not responding to low-level attention-seeking behaviour while narrating the behaviour of others who are on task

Answer

Strategic ignoring avoids reinforcing attention-seeking behaviour by not responding to it, while simultaneously praising others — withdrawing the reward (attention) reduces the behaviour over time.

Question 3

What is the 'three before me' rule for independent work, and how does it support classroom management?

Accepted Answer

Pupils must try three resources or peers before asking the teacher — reducing dependence and allowing teachers to monitor the class

Answer

'Three before me' encourages independence and self-help — pupils try textbooks, displays, and peers first, reducing the number of low-level interruptions to the teacher and building pupil resourcefulness.

Question 4

Under the DfE's Behaviour in Schools guidance (2022), what must every school have?

Accepted Answer

A written behaviour policy that is understood by all staff, pupils, and parents

Answer

DfE guidance requires schools to have a clear, published behaviour policy communicated to all stakeholders — staff must implement it consistently, and parents and pupils must be aware of it.

Question 5

What is 'scaffolded choice' as a de-escalation strategy?

Accepted Answer

Offering a misbehaving pupil a limited, managed choice to restore a sense of control without undermining authority

Answer

Giving a pupil two acceptable options (e.g., 'You can work here or at the spare desk — which do you prefer?') restores agency without relinquishing control, often preventing escalation.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Behaviour and Classroom Management 2