Discipline and Management

488 Words1 Page

Discipline, management frequently interchanged in the education field, although they are distinctly different, and need treated as separate entities. Classroom management is the teacher’s responsibility and discipline is the student’s responsibility. Behavior and misbehavior are also terms that get confused. Classroom management, discipline, behavior and misbehavior are important aspect of every classroom. In order to have a well-organized classroom, the need to define and understand these terminologies becomes imperative.

Classroom management describes the process of ensuring that classroom lessons run smoothly. It is the groundwork for the classroom. When constructed well there is room for growth and progress, as well as penalties for non-compliance. Without good classroom management, learning is inefficient and the teacher becomes stressed. A stressed teacher leads to unruly students, which is where discipline comes into play. Discipline is “the enforcement of order – that is, ensuring instructions are carried out – is often regulated through punishment.” (Discipline, 2011) Teaching children to behave appropriately in different circumstances is discipline, this is done with punishment, or loss of privileges. Discipline is necessary in order to have a harmonious classroom.

“Classroom management deals with how things are done. Discipline deals with how people behave.” (Marshall, 2011) The most important thing about classroom management is control. A teacher must have control to be successful. When a teacher losses control, students become bored, disinterested, and restless, which often causes behavior problems. Avoid misbehavior by setting classroom rules early in the year. These guidelines allow students to know the expectations the teacher has for them and the consequences of not following the rules. Never continue instruction when rules are broken, this cause total loss of control, which leads to behavior problems.

Normal or "good" behavior, usually determined by whether it is socially, culturally and developmentally appropriate. Misbehavior is any improper behavior. Teaching self-control skills is one of the most important things that teachers can do for students because these are the most important skills for success later in life. There are many different underlying causes of misbehavior, but a well-managed classroom has consequences in place to avoid disruption of learning time. Children try to please the teacher, with rules in place, and often reinforced, students will rise to the expectations of the class and their peers. This creates the ideal learning environment for all students.

“Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment. As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lose your sense of balance, humility and commitment.

Open Document