The first step to maintaining classroom discipline is to prevent discipline issues from arising in the first place. I believe the best way to do this is with an engaging lesson plan. When a lesson is engaging, students are more likely to stay on task and will have less cause to misbehave. I usually plan my lessons in segments of 15-20 minutes so that students move from one activity to another within one class period. I find this tactic helps reinforce learning objectives and allows me to teach to multiple learning styles.
I am also sure to make my expectations clear from the very beginning of the school year. I admit this has been a challenge for me however. Some say there are teachers that try not to smile before Thanksgiving in order to maintain discipline. I can’t imagine teaching one day without smiling. I care about my students and, and I must admit I often have a soft-spot for some of the less well-behaved students. I have to remind myself at the beginning of the school year that I can’t let discipline issues slide or students will begin taking advantage of my amiability.
Another way I minimize discipline issues is by trying to be as consistent and fair as possible. I don’t want my students to start thinking that I play favorites. This will only lead to resentment that may cause discipline issues. I must admit however that being fair and being consistent are not always synonymous. I always try to be flexible and understanding. If a student takes on the responsibility of meeting with me before or after class, I may be willing to make exceptions. I will not do so during class time however because I do not wish to alienate other students.
Every teacher will inevitably have to discipline students at some point. Much of being a skilled teacher is being able to improvise and handle unexpected occurrences. Usually, I am able to prevent serious discipline issue from arising by using humor and resolving minor discipline issues in a non-confrontational way. Circulating around the room also helps maintain discipline. After giving students warnings, if inappropriate behavior continues I will conference with them one-on-one in the hall way. I believe this helps them realize I will not simply ignore their behavior but also saves them from the embarrassment of being disciplined in front of their peers.
I am careful not to put myself in the position of entering a power struggle with a student. I make it very clear that I am willing to involve the administration in the event of extreme disciplinary issues. I have involved the administration in one case of discipline when I unfortunately had a student come to class intoxicated. I spoke to the student individually and told them that I had called an escort to bring them to the dean of discipline. This case taught me that I must prepare myself for unexpected discipline issues. I now also often consider how I would handle hypothetical inappropriate behavior in the future.
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