How to Deal With Discipline Problems in the Classroom
An instructor should never permit discipline problems to dominate a classroom. By practicing positive discipline techniques, teachers can give their students a chance to receive the full value of their education. If a teacher is creative enough, classroom discipline can be seamlessly integrated into instruction.
Instructions
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Be the calm in the center of the storm. Discipline problems often occur within a classroom if students are either bored or uncomfortable. Seek to diffuse tension by creating a relaxed learning environment. Rather than blowing minor problems out of proportion, release student potential by seeking opportunities to develop rapport. As author Ronald L. Partin explains, "You'll either spend time building a mutually respectful relationship or you'll spend it later in a classroom power struggle."
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Practice consistency when administering classroom discipline. Teachers should always pair actions with their appropriate consequences. Discuss desirable and undesirable behaviors with students early on in a school year, and discuss consequences that are appropriate to both categories of behavior. Enforce these consequences as consistently as possible, rarely compromising, in order to demonstrate the value attached to desirable behaviors.
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Recognize the importance of space. Many discipline problems can be easily alleviated if a teacher understands the value of proximity when interacting with her students. If student behavior is difficult to manage from a distance, get closer to the student or students in question. For this same reason, arrange desks within a classroom so that students will be less inclined to pose discipline problems. Seat students who engage in problem behaviors far apart, and provide adequate walking space between desks so that you can easily maneuver around the room.
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Dispense justice as fairly as possible. This means applying principles of forgiveness when appropriate. Avoid pigeonholing your students into restrictive stereotypes, such as the "class clown," the "heckler" or the "brat." Rather, recognize the hidden potential that lies at the heart of every student. Similarly, when recognizing top achievers, shy away from singling out individuals for undue praise. Instead, use positive discipline techniques to praise members of groups who exceed expectations.
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Encourage others to get involved, including the students themselves. No matter the approach, the purpose of a discipline system should be "to eventually get the student to admit to and to solve the problem she has just created for herself," according to education experts Linda Clarry Barber and Betsy Geddes. However, if you are at an impasse with your students, humbly invite a colleague to supply ideas about how to approach the situation.
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Tips & Warnings
Take advantage of the power of peer pressure. Students who seek to earn rewards are typically annoyed with their unmotivated classmates. Allow your students to keep each other in check, as long as they are not rude while attempting to do so.
Discipline should not be confused with punishment. An instructor need not be inflexible when dealing with discipline problems. Indeed, positive discipline can breed rewards for students and instructors alike.
