by Marlene Gundlach

Created on: May 17, 2008

I have almost ten years experience teaching at various grade levels, and discipline is one of the issues that causes the most angst with teachers, administrations, students and parents. I prefer to use the word discipline instead of punishment when talking to classroom management. Discipline is defined as "the methods used to ensure that people obey rules by teaching them to do so and punishing them when they do not." If there were more focus placed on discipline, teachers would not have to rely so much on punishments. Effective discipline involves planning and can avoid many of the situations that lead a teacher to have to punish a class or a particular student. Knowing which situations lead to trouble for a particular class can prevent behavior problems in most cases.

When students know the rules of the classroom in advance, and have a hand in listing and discussing those rules, they are more likely to follow them. These rules should not be lengthy or complicated, just common sense rules that allow the classroom to run effectively. Posting the rules along with any consequences is also helpful. For younger students, I have seen a warning system used effectively. Students may start with their cards on a particular color, and then are asked to move their cards to the next color level if they are not following one of the posted classroom rules. The initial level may be a warning, and then escalate to missed recess, a phone call home, or a visit to the principal. Having the student physically move their own card is reinforcement in itself; they cannot argue that they did not know they were on warning. Also, the posting of this list serves as a visual reminder throughout the day of their behavior.

I have found that, although many think it is not necessary, rewarding good student behavior can be very effective in getting students to behave in a more positive manner. I have used a system of awarding table points when students sit together either at a single table or if their desks are grouped. Each group chooses a name and you keep a tab of points when they make transitions smoothly or work quietly without reminders, I give their table a point. I never deduct points; this is only for positive reinforcement. Another teacher that I know chooses the champion table during silent reading and they get to choose a piece of candy from the treat jar. Each of these situations rewards students for following the rules instead of punishing those who do not. In each classroom, students recognize others being rewarded and conform to the desired behaviors.

Under most circumstances, I do not agree with punishing an entire class for the behavior of a few students. Although I have seen it used effectively on a few occasions, it often does not have the desired affect. One time where it worked, is lining up to go inside after recess. There were 5 classes outside, and a large majority of them were not quieting down to enter the building. So, the next day, the entire group had to stand in line quietly for 3 minutes before starting their playtime. In this instance, there were too many to discipline individually, and the large group punishment had a more lasting effect.

In any classroom, punishments will have to be doled out. Teachers must ensure that the punishment is commensurate with the offense. Punishing students for every little rule infraction will lessen its effectiveness. Planning is the key to effective classroom management and making any punishments work to your advantage. Otherwise you are just spinning your wheels.

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