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Teachers are often the focal point of the classroom setting and their behaviour often has the effect of setting the tone that the lesson will follow. The teacher's behaviour can also serve the practical function of providing a marker to indicate when one component of the lesson has ended and the next component has begun. Behaviours such as eye contact, gestures and tone of voice are all components of the teacher's body language and can have a strong effect on students feelings and behaviour. For this reason teachers must be very aware of their body language in the classroom setting and strive to control it and use it in an effective way. The classroom environment is not only affected by the teacher's behaviour but by the physical arrangement and the organisation of classroom activities in terms of how students are required to work. Small classes have the option of more intimate and inclusive seating arrangements, such as a semi circle arrangement, that facilitate student interactions while larger classes often require a more standard arrangement such as straight rows. However, larger classes have more options in terms of student group work. Students have the option of working individually, in pairs or in groups of various sizes as the number of students will allow. Though individual work encourages independence and is less stressful for shy students, group work of any kind allows students to engage more with the lesson material, it increases STT, reduces TTT and increases rapport within the class. Rapport is important for maintaining a positive and productive atmosphere in the classroom and the teacher plays an important role in the building of rapport by organising the seating arrangement to avoid conflict and by encouraging students to communicate with each other through a variety of activities. The teacher must be careful though to retain control over the students' behaviour and maintain discipline in the classroom. There are various methods for achieving this but showing respect to the students, maintaining emotional control and following the school's disciplinary code are a few examples.
