The posting that follows is part of a personal glossary of some of the skills that I use every day and what they mean to me.
Language – using it consciously and unambiguously
It seems simple advice to be very clear in ones language and particularly with instructions but it is surprisingly difficult to sustain. Some students will be tempted to exploit ambiguity and to others it can unwittingly become a point of contention. Frequently students get cross when they feel a teacher hasn’t been clear. Avoid it by seeking to remove ambiguity from your language
What you say and how it is said reflects your commitment to the principles of respect, fairness, challenge, support and security embedded within the climate for learning.
This in turn can have a significant effect upon pupils, influencing how pupils perceive the relationship between themselves and you the adult, which in turn affects their commitment to learning.
Consider the following unhelpful and helpful examples of language use in the classroom. Are there any that sound familiar?
Examples
Unhelpful:
No you can’t – you haven’t finished your work.
Helpful:
When you’ve finished that, then you can go on the computer.
Unhelpful:
WHY can’t you do it?
You’ve got it wrong – again
Well, if you’d listen instead of talking…..
Helpful:
You can do this – what help do you need?
OK, it’s a bit tricky at the moment – which bits can’t you do yet?
Unhelpful:
Oy! – SHUT UP!.
I’M talking! When I talk you listen!
PLEASE be quiet!
I’m SICK of your noise!
Helpful:
I need you to pay attention now, thanks.
Billy…I expect you to listen.
Toby….facing this way and listening, thanks.
Britney……we’re ready to start now, thanks.
Unhelpful:
What on EARTH do you think you’re doing?
You lot – get on with your work!
Helpful:
Chantelle, John…. What should you be doing?
If you don’t get on with your work…..
Unhelpful:
If you don’t put that mobile away…..
Give me that hat!
Helpful:
Michael….it’s your choice. Either complete your work now or expect to complete it in your own time later.
Laura….if you choose to get your mobile out again, then I’ll have to take it off you – that’s the school rule– it’s your choice.
Sam – are you choosing not to follow school rules….?
Unhelpful:
Yes you WERE talking. I SAW you.
Helpful:
OK – maybe you were talking about the work, but I need you to pay attention now – thanks.
Unhelpful:
What did you just say?
How DARE you!
I beg your pardon?
Did you just swear?
Helpful:
Gabrielle…..that language is unacceptable.
Paul…..I don’t like it when you speak in that way. I don’t speak to you like that – I don’t expect you to speak to me like that either.
We don’t swear at anyone here. Full stop.
We treat each other with respect here.
Unhelpful:
Don’t call out/stop shouting!
Helpful:
What’s the class rule for asking/answering questions? That’s right – hands up.
