ABSTRACT
The start of the lesson should set the scene for the work to be carried out; it also sets the tone of the lesson and it is important that you make clear to pupils the sort of effort and behaviour that is expected. In most cases the lesson should start away from the computers, although this is not always possible because of class layout. You should allocate pupils to appropriate places in the room initially, in order to lay down the ground rules and establish control. Pupils who are allowed to take charge of their seating arrangement from the beginning will feel that they can also control other parts of the lesson. Having fixed positions initially also helps with learning names. This is particularly difficult when you often just see the backs of pupils’ heads, but it is vital in establishing your authority and developing a constructive relationship. You can relax the constraints later once a sound relationship has been established and you can rely on pupils to sit down, log on and give you their full attention when you are ready.
