Build a Positive Classroom Environment

An enhanced collection of practical resources to build positive classroom environments and support effective student learning is available.

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has developed these contemporary resources as part of the Engaged Classrooms Through Effective Classroom Management project.

This material responds to findings that one in three Australian teachers are losing valuable teaching time due to classroom disruptions that impact safety and student outcomes.

The new materials build on previous guidance to provide comprehensive strategies for creating safe and engaging learning spaces. The latest resources include:

• 15 video examples showcasing classroom management practices in primary and secondary school settings
• 3 practice-based professional learning resources with a facilitation guideA guide on supporting colleagues with refining their classroom management practice, along with 15 observation tools for teacher development
• 7 practice guides for teachers on supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Dr Jenny Donovan, AERO’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the critical importance of these resources: “These resources provide teachers and school leaders with evidence-based, practical approaches to create consistent, predictable and supportive learning environments. By offering comprehensive resources that address everything from communication techniques to supporting students with diverse needs, we're supporting teachers to ensure all Australian students are given the best opportunity to learn.”

The resources have been extensively developed through consultation with teachers, school leaders, parents, experts, allied health professionals and academics. They cover a wide range of critical classroom management practices, including the use of acknowledgement and praise, clear communication, classroom scanning, voice control and strategies for responding to disengaged and disruptive behaviours.

The videos of practice have been filmed across Australia, at schools in New South Wales, the Northern Territory (Tiwi Islands), South Australia and Queensland, showing a range of schools and settings.

“What sets these resources apart is their practical, Australian context-specific approach,” Dr Donovan added. “We've created 15 video examples across various Australian educational settings, ensuring that teachers can see these strategies in action and understand how to adapt them to their unique classroom environments.”

Notably, the suite also includes specialised guides for supporting students with diverse needs, developed in collaboration with MultiLit and the Institute of Special Educators (InSpEd).

These resources address areas such as communication needs, emotional regulation, sensory differences and social interactions.

Dr Tim McDonald, a key expert advisor on the project, said: "These resources are a collaborative blueprint for creating more responsive, inclusive and effective learning environments. By supporting teachers with practical, evidence-based strategies, we're not just improving classroom management, we're working to enhance the entire educational experience for students and educators alike.”

The resources are all available free now from AERO’s website – edresearch.edu.au.