Global TESOL Classes

Discipline in the classroomAs a teacher, one of the most interesting, yet challenging part of teaching is maintaining discipline in the classroom. Discipline can be defined as, “behaviour in accord with rules of conduct; behaviour and order maintained by training and control.” (Dictionary.com). This paper will discuss why teachers discipline, why students act inappropriately, prevention methods that can be used to improve discipline and effective responses teachers can make when needing to discipline in the classroom. This article will use a variety of books as well as the information learned in the ITTT TELF course. Teachers discipline to control their classrooms thus making the learning environment more enjoyable for everyone. However, discipline is often viewed negatively and the reason could be that some teachers use discipline as punishment, rather than a tool to maintain classroom management. (Gordon). Discipline is often viewed by teachers demanding, scolding or even threatening students. However, discipline should be viewed as students and teachers cooperating, having mutual agreements and having joint decision making. (Gordon). Before discipline is used in classrooms, it is important to understand why students act inappropriately to begin with. Students show problem behaviour for a variety of reasons, including family problems, low self-esteem, boredom, peer pressure or a lack of respect for teachers and other students. (Training). It is known that children learn from a young age to hide their problems and many times, as teachers, we may not know what is happening in their personal life. (Clark). However, as teachers, we can encourage students to express themselves, which helps prevent discipline problems. One of the first things I do when I am teaching a new class is to have a discussion on respect. Although teaching about ethics may be challenging, (Esquith) especially in a TELF environment, it is vitally important that students learn about honesty and respect at the beginning of class, as this can have a profound positive effect for the rest of the course. Students need to learn to respect each other and this sets up the expectation for the class. In order to have and maintain discipline in the classroom, students need to have expectations. Teachers need to set boundaries and expectations for their students and realize they are in charge of the classroom and their students need to accept those boundaries. If students are given the opportunity to act unruly, they will, but if they know their expectations, they will strive to meet those expectations which will make disciplining students easier and more manageable. (Clark) Teachers can respond in a variety of ways when disciplining students, but it is very important to focus on the positive, to control impulses by staying calm and realize that challenges actually help individuals grow. (Vujicic). It’s also important to act immediately, address the problem and focus on the behaviour, rather than the student. Finally, it may be beneficial to change the classroom setting and even have students change seats. (Training) In conclusion, as teachers, we are role models and although maintaining discipline is important in classrooms, it’s important to focus on what we want in the classroom, versus what we don’t what. (Byrne) Instead of saying, “Stop talking,” the teacher can use positive language and say, “Thank you for listening.” Finally, it is important to maintain a respectful and comfortable environment in the classroom, which greatly improves discipline.