Teachers are losing control of classrooms, not because they are weak, but because we have turned them into hectoring bullies. EMILY CLARK reports on a new theory.

They may be highly intelligent and patient individuals, but teachers need to be re-educated if they are to maintain discipline in the classroom.

At least that's the view of Diane Montgomery, Professor of Education at Middlesex University's Trent Park campus, who thinks many teachers will continue to fail until they learn how to manage and be managed more effectively. She thinks they are trained in an authoritarian system which encourages a bullying mentality and in turn affects the children.

"Teachers have failed because they have not been trained properly. It is a confidence problem, they have been severely diminished and the methods of teaching do not measure up to what the pupils actually need," said Mrs Montgomery, who has observed 1,200 classes during the last 30 years to reach her theory.

"Teachers do not get the right sort of feedback, the Government appraisal systems only tell them what they are doing wrong.

"Where a system enforces standards such as league tables and exams it is authoritarian and creates scapegoats and bullies.

"If you can help teachers work supportingly it will cut down on bullying in the classroom."

Dr John Marincowitz, headteacher of Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet, agrees with using diplomatic tactics to gain the attention of youngsters where possible. But he thinks the system is already supportive and most teachers know how to handle difficult youngsters well.

"Trying to control 30 bright and enthusiastic youngsters is a demanding job," he said. "The use of shouting and bullying tactics is a fallback position which most teachers won't use. There are going to be some teachers less well versed in the arts of classroom control but they get the support they need. If they still cannot deal with adolescents perhaps they are not disposed to the teaching profession. Not everybody makes a good teacher."

Professor Montgomery says it is no surprise that bullying is such a problem in schools and thinks parents and teachers should learn to lead by example.

"Our culture encourages bullying. Parents are shouting at and bullying their children because they do not know any better." said Mrs Montgomery, who would like to see classes in parenting introduced in schools.

Dr Marincowitz recognises this problem but thinks most parents will listen to advice and he does not agree with parenting classes.

"We would expect parents to turn to us when they do not agree with action we have taken."

Mrs Montgomery frequently visits schools to put her training system into practice alongside the Government's performance management system. Instead of criticising she is careful to talk positively.

The second edition of her book Helping Teachers Develop Through Classroom Observation is out this month.