S02E08 - Dr. Mark Dowley on Managing Behaviour and Maximising Learning
May 4, 2024
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Dr. Mark Dowley, an Associate Head at the Crowther Centre for Applied Educational Research, teams up with Ollie Lovell, co-author of 'The Classroom Management Handbook.' They explore ten essential principles for classroom management, emphasizing that behavior itself is a form of curriculum. Their discussion highlights the significance of mastering one’s own behavior to influence students positively, the implementation of effective strategies like WIN conversations, and the crucial role of structured routines in fostering an engaging learning environment.
Dr. Mark Dowley highlights the significance of acknowledging Indigenous custodians, emphasizing a respectful and inclusive approach to education.
A pivotal realization in Dowley's journey was discovering concrete behavior management strategies, underscoring the necessity of training for new teachers.
Utilizing scripts and tools for structured conversations fosters clarity in classroom management, enhancing student engagement and reducing disruptions.
Deep dives
Acknowledging Traditional Custodians and the Importance of Context
The episode begins with a respectful acknowledgment of the Indigenous custodians of the land where the podcast is recorded. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cultural and historical context in which educational practices occur. Such acknowledgments help foster an inclusive environment for all listeners, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This gesture sets a tone of respect and mindfulness, vital for discussions around education and teaching practices.
Insights from Dr. Mark Dowley on Classroom Management
Dr. Mark Dowley discusses his experiences and struggles with classroom management when he began teaching, highlighting the lack of training in behavior management strategies. Early in his career, he faced challenges in effectively managing his class behavior and expressed that he didn't have the right tools or frameworks in place. The pivotal moment came when he learned about resources from Bill Rogers, which provided him with specific language and strategies to manage behavior more effectively. This experience illustrates the necessity of equipping teachers with clear, actionable strategies from the onset of their teaching careers.
Ten Principles for Effective Classroom Management
The podcast outlines ten significant principles for effective classroom management advocated by Dr. Dowley and co-authored in his book, 'The Classroom Management Handbook.' One fundamental principle is that behavior itself is a curriculum that must be explicitly taught and not assumed. Dowley emphasizes that mastering one's behavior is key to influencing others, and that teachers must be equipped to articulate expectations clearly. These principles provide a structured framework for understanding and implementing effective classroom management techniques, crucial for any educator.
The Usefulness of Scripts and Tools for Behavior Management
Dr. Dowley shares the importance of utilizing scripts and behavioral tools to support classroom management efforts. He explains that these tools, like the WIN (What I Need) conversation model, allow educators to engage in constructive dialogues with students about their behavior. Such scripted interactions not only guide teachers in handling various situations but also help create a consistent approach across the classroom environment. This technique fosters a sense of security and clarity for students, reinforcing the expected behaviors in a supportive manner.
Implementing a Whole-School Behavior Curriculum
The dialogue emphasizes the necessity for schools to adopt and actively implement a whole-school behavior curriculum. Dr. Dowley discusses how having defined entry routines and expectations can dramatically improve student engagement while decreasing disruptions. He advocates for schools to co-construct behavior management practices with staff, ensuring that routines are tailored to each school's unique context. This approach not only promotes teacher buy-in but also aligns with the core objective of creating a calm and productive learning atmosphere for all students.
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Mark Dowley (Associate Head – Staff Development at the Crowther Centre for Applied Educational Research) who has recently released the book, “The Classroom Management Handbook” that he co-authored with Ollie Lovell. In this chat, they unpack the book and how it’s what Mark and Ollie wish they had when they started teaching. They also discuss ten important principles for classroom management, including the idea that behavior is a curriculum and the importance of mastering one's own behavior to influence others. The conversation also explores the use of scripts and tools to support effective behavior management.