Management & Discipline Defined:
Changing the Way You Think
Many times, the terms “management and discipline” render images of harsh, unyielding, unsmiling, stern, strict individuals. These two terms, management and discipline, often bring to mind the “don’ts” of the classroom, rather than the “do’s.” This is a common misconception. Management and discipline refer to much more than the rules and stipulations governing the classroom. When properly employed, management and discipline provide an effective, safe learning environment, one that allows the teacher to teach and the students to learn (Savage, 2010).
Let’s take a closer look at these to concepts.
Management
man•age•ment |ˈmanijmənt| noun 1. refers to your role as a teacher in creating a classroom environment where success is possible. It refers to how order is established and maintained in the classroom (Savage, 2010). Management is more than controlling your students and establishing teacher authority: it is the process of creating order by organizing the physical environment, creating logical lessons, managing classroom time well, and motivating your students to achieve academically. Management is thus categorized as preventive, as teachers who are good managers are constantly working to prevent hinderances to learning from happening (Savage, 2010). |
Discipline
dis•ci•pline |ˈdisəplin| noun 1. actions that facilitate the development of self-control, responsibility, and character (Savage, 2010). By definition, discipline is a positive thing. It is not punishment, but rather an opportunity for self-growth. This is a huge paradigm shift for many teachers, as discipline and punishment are often thought of as synonymous. However, this simply isn’t true. While discipline is in the reactive dimension, it is more than a response to misconduct: it is equipping students with the tools necessary to effectively deal with conflict so that they might be successful members of society. |
My Role
You have a lot of power as a teacher. You can decide how the day will turn out by your attitude and response to disruptions. Realizing the influence you have on your students should cause you become aware of the fact that modeling such things as self-control, responsibility and character is a huge part of your job description. Another critical component is the establishment of positive relationships with your students. It’s important that the students perceive you as approachable and someone they can trust and respect (Savage, 2010). But first, before all this can take place, you need to decide what your game plan entails.
A huge indicator of teacher success is having a comprehensive plan for implementing management and discipline before stepping foot into the classroom. You need to decide your
·classroom rules
·incentives for good behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior
·classroom routines and procedures
·preferred activity time projects/activities
·list of low-profile responses to misbehavior
One the first day of class, clearly articulate these classroom rules and expectations and consistently hold students accountable to such standards.
If your first day of school has already passed, start over.
A huge indicator of teacher success is having a comprehensive plan for implementing management and discipline before stepping foot into the classroom. You need to decide your
·classroom rules
·incentives for good behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior
·classroom routines and procedures
·preferred activity time projects/activities
·list of low-profile responses to misbehavior
One the first day of class, clearly articulate these classroom rules and expectations and consistently hold students accountable to such standards.
If your first day of school has already passed, start over.
Implementing Management and Discipline in a 4th Grade Regular Education Classroom
Students in the 4th grade have recently undergone developmental changes. They are starting to assume more responsibilities, both at home and at school. Allowing students opportunities to take ownership and responsibility in the classroom will be key.
This can be done by assigning classroom jobs, providing leadership positions, and allowing students preferred activity time.
This can be done by assigning classroom jobs, providing leadership positions, and allowing students preferred activity time.
Biblical Reference
"He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." Proverbs 15:32 (NIV)
This verse speaks to the goal of discipline, which is to foster the growth of self-control, responsibility, and character in the hearts of students. The student who chooses to ignore these lessons is only hurting himself/herself. However, the one who learns from discipline is able gain valuable life-lessons that will benefit and enrich his/her life.
This verse speaks to the goal of discipline, which is to foster the growth of self-control, responsibility, and character in the hearts of students. The student who chooses to ignore these lessons is only hurting himself/herself. However, the one who learns from discipline is able gain valuable life-lessons that will benefit and enrich his/her life.