How to Solve Discipline Problems in the Classroom

Solve discipline problems to help students focus on learning.

Discipline is an important issue in children's education. In the classroom some students can easily focus on the task at hand and understand rules and etiquette. On the other hand, some students are easily distracted, and tend to resist the administration. Disciplining such students requires both the recognition of a problem and a proper intervention to treat the root cause. Some administrators can be very strict in their methods, and this can actually create future consequences.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Remind the student of his or her responsibilities at the earliest sign of a disciplinary problem. This is effective because it can help the student maintain focus before the problem worsens or becomes irreversible. An example is when you remind a student to stop socializing when the bell rings. You can say, "The bell just rang. This means we should all focus on our assignment." You can also utilize nonverbal cues such as a classroom bell or closing the door.

2. Give the student an oral or written warning. Generally, do this after reminding him of his responsibilities. If his behavior does not improve, the next step entails a warning. This will help the student to realize that his actions will not be tolerated if his behavior worsens. For example, you can say, "I reminded you to take out your assignment, and you have not done so. This is a warning to bring out your homework like all your fellow classmates."

3. Give the student a timeout from the classroom if his behavior worsens after a reprimand and a warning about the consequences. Remove the student from the classroom and have him meet with higher educators or administrators. Send the student to a detention classroom. He can then explain to a guidance counselor why he is not fulfilling his classroom responsibilities.

4. Suspend the student if he does not improve his behavior even after multiple detentions. This is a last resort and should only be done if it is clear that the student is not responding to the interventions of the educators and counselors. Remove the child temporarily from the classroom and notify the parents. Arrange for the parents and student to meet with a school administrator and discuss the problem and the possible outcomes.

References

• Classroom Discipline: Techniques
• Discipline by Design: Better Classroom Discipline