In this episode, Ben Russell discusses a classroom behavior strategy known as 'championing the good,' which focuses on redirecting student behavior through positive reinforcement rather than negative correction. He emphasises the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment where students feel motivated to align with positive behaviors. By utilising behavioral economics principles, teachers can subtly nudge students towards desired behaviors without confrontation, ultimately fostering a more positive classroom culture. Practical scenarios are provided to illustrate how this strategy can be effectively implemented in various classroom situations.

Keywords: classroom behavior, praising, positive reinforcement, student engagement, behavioral economics, teacher strategies, classroom management, relational pedagogy, nudges, student motivation

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In this episode of Empowering Educators, Ben Russell discusses the importance of authentic praise in building relational pedagogy skills for teachers. He emphasises that genuine praise strengthens the teacher-student relationship, while insincere praise can damage it.

Ben outlines some common pitfalls of praise, such as fake praise, sympathy praise, and blanket praise, and provides a four-step formula for delivering effective praise.

He concludes by highlighting the role of authentic praise in fostering trust, belonging, and motivation among students, ultimately enhancing classroom culture.

Keywords: praise, relational pedagogy, authentic feedback, student engagement, teacher-student relationship, motivation, classroom culture, effective communication, educational strategies, trust

Takeaways

• Praise can either strengthen or undermine teacher-student relationships.
• Authentic praise is crucial for building trust with students.
• Students can easily detect insincerity in praise.
• Fake praise can feel manipulative and erode trust.
• Sympathy praise does not provide the honesty students seek.
• Blanket praise can make hardworking students feel unseen.
• Effective praise should be specific and timely.
• Most students prefer one-on-one praise for its authenticity.
• Authentic praise fosters a sense of belonging in students.
• Praise should recognize students for who they are and who they are becoming.

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In this episode of Empowering Educators, Ben Russell discusses the importance of addressing low-level behaviors in the classroom to maintain an effective learning environment. He emphasises the significance of non-verbal redirection techniques, such as eye contact and proximity control, to manage student behavior without disrupting the flow of teaching.

Ben also highlights the need for teachers to adapt their strategies based on the classroom dynamics and to correct behaviors early and calmly to protect teaching time and enhance student outcomes.

Takeaways

• Low-level behaviors can snowball if left unchecked.
• Inattentive and disruptive behaviors are common in classrooms.
• Non-verbal redirection is crucial for effective classroom management.
• Eye contact can communicate awareness and redirect students.
• Proximity control helps maintain classroom order without interruption.
• Silence can be a powerful tool in correcting behavior.
• Teachers should adapt their strategies based on classroom dynamics.
• Predictable routines can help manage student behavior effectively.
• Non-verbal cues can signal attention and engagement.
• Early correction protects the learning environment for all.

Keywords: classroom management, low-level behaviors, non-verbal redirection, teaching strategies, student engagement

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In this episode of Empowering Educators, Ben Russell digs into one of the most overlooked parts of classroom management: the interruptions that chip away at lesson flow. From late arrivals to missing equipment to those classic off‑topic questions, these moments can derail even the strongest instruction if we’re not ready for them.

Ben unpacks how teachers can anticipate and terminate predictable interruptions before they take hold. He shares simple, high‑impact routines like setting clear expectations for latecomers, running a quick pre‑instruction equipment check, and using a “parking lot” to hold off-topic questions without shutting students down. The focus is on designing lessons and routines that protect momentum and keep students engaged from start to finish.

Interruptions will always happen, but they don’t need to cost you the moment. With a proactive approach, teachers can maintain lesson flow, reduce frustration, and create a calmer, more focused learning environment. This episode is a practical guide for educators who want to sharpen their classroom management and lift student engagement.

Keywords: classroom management, student engagement, lesson flow, teacher strategies, classroom routines, proactive teaching, behaviour management, teaching techniques, education tips

Key Takeaways: Strong teachers anticipate and terminate interruptions before they break the lesson flow

• Clear routines for late arrivals keep the class focused and reduce frustration
• A quick pre‑instruction equipment check saves minutes of lost learning time
• A “parking lot” keeps off‑topic questions from hijacking the moment
• Lessons designed with predictable interruptions in mind run smoother and feel calmer

In this episode of Empowering Educators, Ben discusses the importance of effective starts to a lesson. He reflects on a pivotal moment in his teaching career that highlighted the need to maximize the initial minutes of a lesson, which he refers to as the 'golden time.'

Ben introduces the 'Do Now' strategy from Lemov's work in Teach Like a Champion, emphasising its role in engaging students immediately and setting a productive tone for the lesson. Listeners are then provided practical tips for implementing this strategy while the key elements of consistency and adaptability in lesson planning are also highlighted.

Keywords: Keywords: student engagement, classroom strategies, lesson planning, Do Now, teaching techniques, learning environment, teacher effectiveness, classroom management, education best practices, student behaviour.

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The episode focuses on the crucial skill of gaining attention in the classroom, highlighting the challenges, strategies, and techniques for effectively capturing students' focus.

Takeaways

• Gaining attention is a critical skill for teachers
• Effective strategies for gaining attention can be learned and implemented

Keywords: gaining attention, classroom management, teaching strategies, student engagement, educator tips

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The episode focuses on the importance of entry routines in classroom management and behavior. It discusses the art of entry routines, the threshold point, and transitioning into instruction. The key takeaways include the significance of effective entry routines in setting the tone for the lesson and the importance of consistency and predictability in entry routines.

Keywords: classroom management, entry routines, teaching strategies, student engagement, lesson planning

Takeaways

• Effective entry routines set the tone for the lesson
• Consistency and predictability are key in entry routines

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In this episode of Empowering Educators, Ben delves into the essential qualities that define a great teacher. He begins by prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with impactful educators, emphasising that while the definition of a good teacher can be subjective, certain fundamental traits remain universally recognized. Ben introduces the 'triple C A' model, which stands for Competence, Control, Care, and Authenticity, outlining how these elements contribute to effective teaching. He illustrates his points with examples from popular culture, contrasting desirable and undesirable teaching styles, and stresses the importance of being knowledgeable, maintaining classroom order, and genuinely caring for students.

As the conversation progresses, Ben encourages educators to set micro goals for improvement in these areas, sharing personal anecdotes about his own teaching journey. He emphasises that by focusing on one aspect at a time and seeking support from colleagues, teachers can enhance their effectiveness and ultimately benefit their students. The episode serves as a motivational guide for educators looking to refine their skills and embrace their authentic selves in the classroom.

Keywords

great teacher, teaching skills, competence, classroom control, teacher care, authentic teaching, educator tips, Empowering Educators, teaching strategies, professional development

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