Difference Between Classroom Managing and Disciplining

A discipline procedure is part of effective classroom management.

Classroom management and discipline go hand in hand. Teachers must establish classroom management procedures and routines to follow consistently so students know how to act and what to expect. Classroom expectations and consequences are part of a discipline system that must be taught explicitly and posted in the room. Teachers with management systems in place will be able to handle discipline problems proactively and efficiently.

Classroom Management

Managing a classroom includes everything, from how the classroom is set up to student routines and the overall appearance and atmosphere in the classroom. Teachers must address many of these issues before the students even arrive. Students must be taught what to do when they arrive in class, where to access supplies, what to do when they have a question, where to sit, how to leave the classroom if necessary and the classroom rules and consequences.

Discipline

Discipline is part of managing the classroom. Teachers must develop a clear set of rules and consequences and teach them to the students on day one. When a consistent and fair classroom environment is established, discipline problems will occur less. Tips to effective classroom discipline include: be consistent, be proactive, give students one warning and then discipline appropriately, and avoid reprimanding individuals in front of the rest of the class.

Classroom Climate

Teachers must also establish a positive, comfortable learning environment. The climate of the classroom should be determined based on a teacher's personal preferences, teaching style and expectations. Teachers must determine how to seat the students, where to display the students' work, the general cleanliness of the room, which areas of the room students have access to and how to decorate.

Efficiency

An efficient classroom enables students to focus more time on their work and gives teachers more time to teach rather than address discipline problems. Routines and procedures must be rehearsed by the students until they can perform them independently. Depending on the age of the students, teachers might need to spend a lot of time on this at the beginning of the school year, but it will pay off in the end.

References

• The Teacher's Guide: Classroom Management
• National Education Association: "Classroom Management -- Establishing Discipline"; Karen Zauber; 2003

Resources

• TeacherVision: Behavior Management Resources
• TeacherMatters; Advancing Knowledge for Teachers