New rules for teachers to bring discipline to the classroom Mr Taylor, who becomes chief executive of the Teaching Agency in September, said: "Too often trainees aren't taught the skills they need to ensure discipline in the classroom. We must spread best practice because without strong discipline and good behaviour children can't learn. There are essential skills - including some which are underestimated, such as body language and posture - that all teachers need in order to manage behaviour effectively. Advice includes varying the tone and volume of the voice, making use of classroom space and using eye contact with pupils and using praise, rewards and sanctions to improve behaviour. Accordin to the guidelines, teachers should know how to "vary the tone and volume of their voice to teach effectively and manage behaviour" and "stand, move, make use of the space and use eye contact in order to be an authoritative presence in the classroom." They should also "use praise effectively to improve behaviour, and understand how to apply rewards and sanctions to improve behaviour" and "take appropriate and effective action when they are confronted by more extreme behaviour."