As an NQT for me it comes down to the class, and then down to individual students.

The nicer the class the more open and 'nice' I am to them. Still capable of being strict, but more open to things like discussion during tasks and a bit of joking so long as the work is getting done. Basically classes that have earned my trust and who aren't arseholes I find really enjoy having me and exclaim 'yes' when they find out I'm teaching.

On the other hand I have classes who groan when they know they're getting me, since they know I won't allow them to get away with being, quite frankly, nasty pieces of work. I found out quickly with these classes that, whilst I could be more soft spoken with the other classes and friendly and that would result in good things, with these they just see it as weakness. Not all of course, and some in these classes do enjoy having me, but I made the mistake of being too 'understanding' and 'kind' in the first few weeks, which a number of these kids saw as weakness and basically spat in my face for my attempts.

Don't get me wrong, I'm consistent and fair, and I will attempt positive praise and all that, but when one kids responds to my one - to - one with respect and dignity, whilst another tells me to 'they don't want to bother to speak with someone like me' and that they hope I get 'hurt', I mix my approaches up as I'm not wasting time being the 'nice teacher' on a class that only shows any semblance of respect to those who are strict.