A host of articles and expert papers which can help trainees develop their knowledge and skills have been collected together for the first time on a new website which eventually will include video clips and access to personal advice.

The website has been created by Behaviour 4 Learning, a consortium of commercial and educational institutions led by 'The nottingham trent university'. It links with qualified teacher status (QTS) requirements and primary and key stage 3 strategies.

The project has been funded for three years by the TTA, and is aimed at addressing the need expressed by many newly qualified teachers (NQTs) for more support to manage pupils' behaviour.

Jacquie Nunn, Director of teacher training support for the (TTA), said:

“Thousands of lessons are taught every day without behaviour problems but fail to make headline news. It is the relatively small number of specific incidents which attract attention.

“While the majority of teachers develop their expertise in class management as their career progresses, the TTA is concerned that its annual surveys show that some new teachers would have welcomed more support during their training. Therefore, we are working with leading teacher trainers in the country to illustrate positive approaches to the issue.

“This new resource network will bring together a wealth of extra practical help and advice for new teachers and those working with them to share best practice and new ideas in a way which will be easily and instantly accessible.”

Philip Garner, head of the Behaviour 4 Learning consortium from Nottingham trent university, said:

“The ability to manage a class develops with experience, so it is not surprising that some new teachers find it a challenge. We intend this website to be part of a virtual centre of excellence where everyone with experience can share effective practices in positive behaviour management with the aim of ensuring classes are enjoyable and engaging, giving every pupil the chance to fulfil their potential.”

Notes for editors

The Behaviour 4 Learning website is intended for the trainee teachers and their tutors. Journalists seeking more information about the content of the website should contact Therese Easom on0115 848 6589or  e-mail: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.

The consortium awarded the contract to create the initial teacher training professional resource network (IPRN) on pupil behaviour comprises  the universities of Nottingham Trent, Liverpool, Plymouth, Durham and West of England, Bristol, and the university colleges of Worcester, Northampton and Christ Church Canterbury, all of which  offer initial teacher training courses,  together with Beacon Achievement, Learning Matters and Research Machines (RM).

The TTA’s 2003 survey of more than 10,000 newly qualified teachers (QTS), six months after completing their training, showed that while 86 per cent believed their training overall was good or better, around 60 per cent considered it was good or better in helping them establish and maintain a good discipline.

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