How to Avoid Discipline Problems in the Classroom

A well-disciplined classroom environment gives students a better chance to learn.

A positive, effective learning environment is dependent, in part, on how well maintained and disciplined the classroom is. Although teachers have the responsibility to ensure that classroom discipline problems are held to a minimum, maintaining order and discipline in the classroom is a task that can be a positive experience for all involved. By working together, teachers, parents and students can help create an environment where learning is fostered and encouraged.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Let students be involved in classroom rule-making. Have the students tell you their ideas of fair rules. Write the student ideas on the board and together choose 5-7 of these rules to govern classroom behavior.

2. Make it clear to the students what the consequences for breaking the rules are and be consistent in enforcing the penalties for rule-breaking.

3. Respect your students. Be careful not to come across as an authoritarian who will not listen to or try to understand a student's point of view. Remember that respect is mutual. If you want your classroom to remain disciplined, you will have to show that you value your students.

4. Come to class with a plan every day. Decide how much time you will take for certain activities and stick to the plan. Have extra activities planned in case the lesson goes more quickly than you intended. Plan additional work for students who typically finish assignments and tasks early. Consider having assignments planned several days in advance so that students who are finished quickly are able to get ahead.

5. Observe what is happening in the classroom. Spend less time behind the desk and more time walking around the classroom. Talk to the students to ensure they understand the assignments they are working on.

6. Be positive towards your student. Praise good grades and good behavior. Call parents to tell them what their student is doing right instead of to report bad behavior. Greet your students every morning with a smile. End each day with a positive word and tell them how proud you are of what they accomplished during the day.

7. Hold your students to high expectations. Tell them kindly what you expect and that you know they are capable of meeting your expectations. Inform your students' parents of the expectations you have and ask for their support from home.

8. Treat all students the same and avoid showing favoritism. Remember that students will respect you and your rules more if they know that you are going to be fair when enforcing them.

References

• Discipline by Design: 11 Techniques for Better Classroom Discipline; Budd Churchward; 2009
• Old Dominion University: 101 Positive Discipline Techniques; Elizabeth O. Cooper; 2005