As an NQT you receive so many tips, strategies and methods for teaching that you could easily write a book! Here is what we hope to be a useful selection of the thousands of tips you will no doubt receive through your whole career in teaching.

• A POSITIVE APPROACH to teaching is vital. A positive atmosphere will generate far more actual learning than an negative one. "Don't smile until Christmas" is a piece of advice given to all new teachers, however it is one I would whole heartedly IGNORE. A smile at the start of a lesson, a friendly greeting at the door, or when taking the register, all help to set a positive tone for the lesson. Show the students that you care about their individual learning, it will make them feel more positive about your subject. Remember, a smile is infectious and students are always eager to please. Praise every student in your class, even if it's just for having a pen, or just for "turning up". You'll be surprised at how students respond.

• As a teacher you should BE ORGANISED . Firstly to set an example to your students. Secondly for your own sanity. Try to get to your classroom before the lesson starts so the pupils see you organised and ready to start, they'll be more likely to get themselves organised quickly. In lessons, write your aims on the board so the students know what to expect and how much they will have to do. It will help both your students and yourself to feel that achievement has been made in every lesson. A good plenary can be as simple as looking at the aims and discussing if you have achieved them. Worksheets are better than copying vast amounts from the board. It may take more time before the lesson but it will enable you to focus on learning in the lesson. Out of lessons, use your planning time wisely, prioritise your workload and realise your own limits, you're not likely to write a decent scheme of work in your free if its the last period on Friday!

• Like the scouts, teacher should always BE PREPARED , particularly for the unexpected. One of the things we find most attractive about teaching is that anything and everything can and will happen. You need to be prepared for it. Don't be scared to change your plans at the last minute, maybe that timed essay isn't the best thing for your over excited Year 7 class who've been snowball fighting all lunch! When things don't go to plan, don't panic, bad lessons happen to all teachers.

• Dealing with behavioral problems is the most daunting situation for most teachers. NEVER GET DRAWN INTO AN ARGUMENT WITH A STUDENT. You are the boss. Although you should give a student a reason for a punishment, you should not be justifying your actions all of the time. Remove a student from the room if you want to have words. Try to keep the atmosphere in the classroom positive at all times. Silent gestures and eye contact work better than vocal warnings as they maintain the positive atmosphere of the lesson. Be calm and quiet - use your voice for special occasions. Don't make threats you won't carry out even if the student who falls foul of them is usually perfect! Be sure to start each lesson with a clean slate. Never hold a grudge against a child, we all make mistakes.

• Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ENJOY TEACHING, don't forget that it doesn't have to be a chore. Have fun! If you don't have enthusiasm, how can you expect it from your students?

  
<JANINE TAIT, NAOMI HAYES & RACHEL HEATH - WOODLANDS SCHOOL>