How to Improve Classroom Discipline

Classroom discipline refers to the methods used to help students understand what is appropriate behavior for a school setting. Teaching students to behave properly improves the quality of learning. Establishing classroom discipline also allows the teacher to focus on the content of the lesson.

Instructions

1. Make the rules with your students. Ask your students to list ways to create a respectful classroom. Next, add your non-negotiable expectations to this list. Be sure your list falls in line with major school rules and other school policies.

2. Write a contract. Send this contract home for parents and students to sign. This will ensure that all people involved in the student's education are clear about expectations and boundaries.

3. Make a chart. Write your list of rules on chart paper and post them in a visible area. These will be good to refer back to when mediating conflicts with students. This chart will also be a helpful reference during parent-teacher conferences.

4. Enforce rules consistently. Karen Zauber of the National Education association says teachers should "Be consistent in what they say and what they do." Teachers should also be sure to incorporate natural consequences. For example, if a student fails to clean her work area, then require her to use part of recess to organize a classroom space.

5. Ask other teachers for feedback. You may need to revise your process. If you have been clear and consistent but discipline has yet to improve, then use input from colleagues to tweak your approach.

6. Maintain age-appropriate expectations. Ask students to behave in ways that are developmentally appropriate. For example, a ninth-grade student could be expected to sit quietly through an hour-long presentation. This expectation would not be appropriate for a first-grade student.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a first-time teacher, you may want to ask colleagues about their process. Sitting in on several different classes will give you a feel for various discipline techniques. If you are revising your discipline process mid-year, then be sure to acknowledge this change with students and their parents. Doing so will ensure that everyone is clear about these new expectations.

References

• NEA Classroom Management Tips for New Teachers