A Copenhagen school has discovered a way to reduce classroom disruptions. Teachers at Brønshøj School now have more freedom to manage their own resources. This change has led to fewer conflicts and calmer learning environments.
Danish teachers nationwide spend increasing time managing classroom noise and disruptions. A recent study reveals teachers use ten minutes of every sixty-minute lesson just maintaining order. This marks a 33 percent increase over six years.
Brønshøj School implemented a new approach in 2022. They eliminated coordinator roles and supervision duties. Teachers now control their schedules and resource allocation directly.
School principal Mikkel Wiene explained the philosophy. "We removed everything we could remove," he said. "Teachers now stay closer to children. We created a workplace where teachers have time and peace to help children when needed."
The model means more teachers per grade level who can shift resources as needed. If one class requires more attention, additional teachers can join. If a student needs a walk break, staff can accommodate them.
Teacher Thea Elise Sommer reports greater job satisfaction under the Brønshøj model. "We see our students more," she noted. "With increased freedom comes more responsibility for our own tasks."
The school did reintroduce reading guides after discovering their importance. However, they implemented them differently than before.
Students notice the difference. Ninth-grader Nikolaj Høi Høgsbro described the change. "It was more chaotic before with more conflicts between teachers and students," he said. "Now it feels much more peaceful."
Classmate Ida Marie Bjerrum finds it easier to get teacher help during lessons. "It's calmer and you learn more with fewer students per teacher," she explained.
While public schools nationwide spend 16 percent of teaching time managing noise, free schools use only 11 percent for discipline.
Denmark's Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye called the national trend "unfortunate." His ministry plans proposals to better support teachers as "the adult in the room."
The Brønshøj experiment shows that trusting teachers with resource management can directly impact classroom climate. Giving educators more control appears to create calmer learning environments where students feel more supported.