Methods of Discipline in the Classroom

Discipline in the classroom helps teachers maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere where students can learn and grow.

Discipline is a necessary part of a classroom environment. It helps teachers to create peaceful environments that help children learn by minimizing interruptions and distractions. Effective classroom discipline can eliminate problems caused by fooling around, lack of attention, uncooperative students, dawdling or talking back. More than that, discipline directs students toward more positive, acceptable behavior. Children learn in different ways, so it is important for teachers to implement a combination of discipline methods to manage their classrooms.

System of Punishments

A punishment-centered method of discipline involves a set of negative consequences, or punishments, for unwanted behavior. For example, an elementary school student that repeatedly interrupts a lesson with rude noises may be kept inside during recess. Older students might be given an extra writing assignment, explaining why they interrupted and what can be done to eliminate the problem in the future. The student should be informed that this assignment will be part of their final grade. Many schools send students to the principal's office as punishment for unwanted behavior. Punishment-centered methods of discipline focus on teaching students what not to do by showing them that there are undesirable consequences associated with their actions.

System of Incentives

Unlike a punishment-based system, an incentive-based system of discipline focuses on rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. A teacher that uses incentives presents her students with a list of rewards. They can earn these rewards by following class rules. For elementary-aged students, incentives may include stickers or stars for completing assignments, being helpful or quiet in class and respecting other students. When a student earns a certain number of stickers, he may be given a greater reward such as a treat. Incentives can be targeted to individual students or to the class as a whole. A teacher might allow a class that has been attentive to leave a few minutes early. This type of incentive encourages students to work together to earn the reward. It can be especially effective because pressure from other students, or the desire to not let other students down, can prompt individual students to focus.

Assertive Discipline

The assertive discipline method uses a blend of punishments and incentives. This method encourages teachers to establish only five rules for their classroom. This small number is easier for students to remember. Rules should be given in a positive way, explaining what students are expected to do rather than telling them what they cannot do. For example, "No talking in class" becomes "Students will be quiet in class." Students are recognized and rewarded for following the rules. There are, however, consequences for breaking rules, which get more serious each time a rule is broken.

Discipline With Dignity

Discipline with dignity is a controversial method of discipline because it does not rely on a set system of punishments. Instead, students are often allowed to choose the consequences of their action. Teachers who use this method believe that fair discipline does not mean that students will always be treated in the same way. Students should be treated with dignity at all times, with teachers attempting to understand their students' needs and points of view. This method of discipline is based on a contract between students and teachers in which rules and expectations are made clear to students. When rules are broken, the problem is addressed privately between the teacher and the student. During this discussion, the teacher and the student decide on a fair consequence.

References

• Positive Classroom Discipline
• Assertive Discipline
• Classroom Discipline