Discipline in the classroom Discipline is an important aspect of classroom management. How should classroom disruptive behavior be handled that helps...

markchambers1966 I've been a
teacher for over twenty years and a deputy Head Teacher in charge of discipline in a high school
too. My advice to new teachers is always be seen to be fair, never make a threat you cannot
carry out and never back yourself or the student into a corner, always try to leave an exit
route if possible. One strategy is to place the onus directly on them, so you are saying "I
like you, but not your behaviour...if you persist in doing **** any further then you will force
me to (mention the sanction) but if you stop now then we will not mention things further. Please
don't make me have to (mention the sanction again). At this point most students will seek to
avoid trouble and back down. If you do employ the sanction then you have been seen to be fair
and have offered them a way out, they are the ones totally to blame. Do not punish a class for
the actions of a couple of individuals, that is unpopular and try to remain calm wherever
possible. Don't let them see that they are annoying you as then they have what they wanted.
Learn to smile and even laugh when you don't want to, but always apply the firmness of control
and show the level you expect.]]>