JONATHAN JANSEN | An unruly pupil is one thing, a disorderly teacher another

The mayhem in our schools could do without ill-disciplined educators, writes Jonathan Jansen. Here’s how teachers can ensure effective learning starts with them

30 January 2025 - 04:30

There is chaos in and around some of our schools. Principal shot. Student knifed. Teacher attacked. Most of the turmoil happens inside the classroom. I have tried to make sense of disorder over the past year and there is a stack of invitations from schools everywhere to advise on how to bring about stability in schools and classrooms so that learning can proceed with as little disruption as possible. One thing is clear: without a stable school and classroom environment, teachers cannot teach efficaciously, and pupils simply cannot learn optimally. To put it simply: there is a direct correlation between order in a school or classroom and the examination results...

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