The Russian Front

Behaviour Management

The Russian Front

a guide for classroom teachers and teacher aides

Students and a teacher assistant working on an electronics project.

During World War II, German soldiers would do anything to avoid being sent to the Russian Front. When given the choice between the Russian Front and the Western Front, German soldiers eagerly chose the Western Front – the weather for starters was much more hospitable than the deadly Russian winters. The soldiers seem to be more positive about going to war because they had avoided a potentially worse outcome. This is how the story goes anyway, and where this strategy originated.

Here is how this strategy applies in a typical high school scenario. The teacher offers students a choice between 2 activities. They can either read silently for half an hour, or they can practise writing an essay for the same period of time. Even the most conscientious student would never choose to write an essay voluntarily, so obviously the class opts to read silently – exactly what the teacher expected and intended. Having the upper hand, the teacher now has bargaining power and can demand something in return, ‘if we read instead of the essay, which we are supposed to do today, then we must read in absolute silence or we have to go back to the essay – deal?’

About the author

Image of the managing director of ITAC.

ADAM GREEN

Adam Green is an advisor to government, a registered teacher, an instructional designer and a #1 best selling author. He is completing a Doctor of Education and was previously head of department for one of the country’s largest SAER (students at educational risk) schools. Adam is managing director of ITAC, an accredited training provider for thousands of teacher aides every year.

Source: Behaviour Management Skills and Strategies for the Modern Classroom: 100+ research-based strategies for both novice and experienced practitioners.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to check his article for accuracy, information may be outdated, inaccurate or not relevant to you and your location/employer/contract. It is not intended as legal or professional advice. Users should seek expert advice such as by contacting the relevant education department, should make their own enquiries, and should not rely on any of the information provided.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Call Us

1300 858 191
(08) 6555 2992

Email Us

info@itac.edu.au

Visit or Post

Unit 38, 12 Junction Bvd.
COCKBURN CENTRAL WA 6164

Hours

8:00 am - 4 pm Mon-Thu (WST)
8:00 am - 2 pm Friday (WST)

Brisbane office (By appointment only)

S16, Level 18, 324 Queen St
Brisbane QLD 4000

Perth Office

Queensland Office (by appointment only)

ITAC'S RESEARCH-BASED TEACHER AIDE COURSES

CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support & CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

INTRODUCTORY COURSE

CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support

The introductory teacher aide course covering all the basics of working in a school.

LEARN MORE

HIGHER-LEVEL COURSE

CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

The industry standard TA course with a focus on disabilities and disorders.

LEARN MORE

TEACHER AIDE COMBO

Study two courses in one streamlined program with the Teacher Aide Combo

Save time and money by completing ITAC's popular Teacher Aide Combo.

LEARN MORE

SAMPLE RESOURCES

Have a look at our range of sample course resources and materials

Be sure to ask your provider for a sample of their resources and assessments before enrolling.

LEARN MORE

AUSTRALIA'S MOST POPULAR TEACHER AIDE COURSE

The industry standard in teacher aide training

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

Government funding Australia-wide to learners over 40.

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST PROVIDER

Of the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

TEACHER AIDE COMBO

Australia’s only true Teacher Aide Combo – saving time and money.

MODES

Supported, self-paced online mode or class-based from 1 day per week.

30-DAY NO OBLIGATION

So you can be sure that the course is right for you.

0% PAYMENT PLANS

Select an interest free payment plan that suits your needs.

EVERYTHING INCLUDED

Free learner guides, audiobooks, e-books, live webinars & lecture library.

PLACEMENT

We visit every learner on placement to help improve their practice.

INTEGRATED STRUCTURE

Australia’s only integrated course structure means finishing sooner.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

Links with thousands of schools around Australia.

SUPPORT

Friendly trainers with years of experience in local schools.

RESEARCH-BASED CONTENT

Learn the best practice skills that schools now demand.

ABOUT US

The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses is the go-to provider for nationally recognised teacher aide courses. We provide a supportive, flexible and high-quality experience for busy adult learners.

CONTACT US