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Rapport with Groups

'How do I get the class to settle down to work?’

This is a frequent question from teachers.If the class is not united or is heterogeneous, this can be a challenge.Some simple tips can help.

First, notice the state of the class.Are the students all behaving similarly or are there different factions?If the answer is the former, go to point 3.

Spend a few seconds noticing which is the largest or most active group.Study the students in that group.What is the most common action in the group?The most common stance?The volume and speed of speech?Who is initiating any changes in behaviour?Who follows?

Choose one or two aspects of the behaviour to pace (match).Body posture, subtle gestures and breathing are the easiest to do well.Adopt this behaviour from a position close enough to the group so that you can be regarded as part of the general picture and not distant or isolated.Likewise, you do not want to be too close so as to threaten the mood.

When the group is comfortable with this, start to join in more actively by speaking or moving closer as if you are integrating with the group.

When the group seems fine with your participation, change your physical behaviour subtly towards the model you want.Keep the prevailing mood as much as you can.If you want them to sit down, move towards your chair and wait for them to follow by going to theirs.If you want them to sit up straight, gradually do so yourself.If you want them to quieten down, gently lower your voice.

If they do not follow after a few seconds, return to point 3 or 4 and pace them again until they are ready to be with you.Watch closely and see if there is some aspect of their behaviour you have overlooked.

If you are trying to be heard over loud noise, speak just above the volume of the group and then quieten your voice, gradually or quickly to the volume you desire.

Sometimes, you will need to match a certain individual in the group who is a natural leader.Once you establish rapport with her, you will have it with the rest of the group.

Remember to do all your matching with respect for the other or you could end up imitating or making fun of the students.This will not lead to good rapport.

Keep in mind your objective, so your pacing has a purpose.

Show the students the behaviour you wish to see from them by doing it yourself. (Modelling)If you continuously shout at a class to be quiet, you are sending out a confusing message.If you become more quiet and still, it will help communicate your purpose.

Doing a whole group activity at the start of the lesson is a good way to harmonise a class and synchronise their energy patterns.Quieter activities include relaxation, visualisation, colouring or reading.More active tasks could be action songs, jazz chants, stretching and brain gym or a dance.Try to respect their energy level when you start - you will find that during the activity, it will change.If you force a sleepy group into an energetic activity, they will likely rebel, likewise a quiet activity will not calm a noisy group.

Any questions, contributions or feedback concerning this subject are welcome.Among the sources used for this article is the very good book on class management, ENVoY by Michael Grinder. (Michael Grinder, 1993)