For this blog, I would like you to explain the relationship between EFFECTIVE TEACHING and DISCIPLINE in the classroom. Giving specific examples from what you have experienced or practiced will be helpful. Splichal
Through my experiences as both a student and a parent of students, I am convinced that effective teaching doesn't take place without discipline, or good classroom control. I had teachers who were pushovers, and students could do whatever they wanted. Did learning take place? Yes, but I had to be motivated to stay on task and push myself. I have been in classrooms where the teacher was not respected (and personally, I thought he brought it on himself), because he could not control the class. But I have also experienced teachers who had perfect control and respect in the classroom, and they got their subject matter taught and taught it effectively. As I've watched my own kids go through different classes and different teachers, I would say it is still true today. The most effective teachers are the ones who can control the classroom. I have subbed for elementary teachers whose only punishment is taking minutes away from recess. Because the same children were missing recess day after day (and these were the students who needed their recess time the most!), I finally got bold and asked one teacher if their idea was really working. She admittedly said it was not. From my subbing experiences, I can tell which teachers have control over the class and which do not. To be an effective teacher, I feel you have to have the respect and the attention of the students. If some students are talking, the rest of the class is distracted and can't pay attention or maybe can't even hear what is being said. If students are able to move whenever they want, or leave the room to get a drink or go to the restroom whenever they want, they are losing out on part of the teaching. If students are distracted or gone from the class, they are not going learn as effectively. If students know they have to pay attention and listen, they will focus better and learn more.
It is great that you have subbing experience, I am sure that will be such a help when you have your own classroom. I agree that discipline and effective teaching go hand in hand. I have been working as a para for the past four years and I hate to see teachers take recess away from students. You're right, it seems that the same students are missing recess again and again--and they are the ones who would benefit from the physical activity of recess the most! If taking away recess is not working to change student behavior, then the teacher should re-evaluate and find something that does motivate his/her students. I love Wong's idea of procedures for everything. I think that is going to help me get my class under control--letting students know what is expected and practicing those behaviors.
I think that is great that you took the initiative and asked the teacher if her discipline strategies were working by taking away recess. Good for you!! I'm sure that the teacher learned something new that day.
I also think it took courage to ask the teacher if her discipline strategies were working. You never know how a person will react, especially a teacher being questioned by a sub. However, I am sure she had to stop and think, "What could I try that may work better?" So I agree, GOOD JOB!!!
I agree that it took a lot of courage for you to address the teacher about her discipline policies. I am sure the ones who were acting out would definitely have benefited from recess. We forget how much good physical activity can do for these kids.
I agree that it was bold and courageous of you to ask the teacher if her discipline strategies were working. In the teacher ed department they always say "never take away recess." I don't see this working in my internships either. The students just get discouraged and like you pointed out usually the ones we are keeping in are the ones who need the movement the most. One little guy even told me "I don't get any help at home and I know I'll get in trouble for something and have to stay in for recess anyway, so why try and do my homework at home." That is not the kind of thinking we as teachers want in the classroom.
I agree, effective teaching does not take place without discipline or follow through. I have an assistant teacher and she is kind of a push over. The children know that she never follows through with what she says so they just don't listen to her. If I say eat and stop playing at the table they will do it because they know that if they keep playing I will excuse them from the table, but if she says it they won't stop playing.
I think the relationship between the two are very important. If you ask me you can not have one with out the other. If you do not have control over your class you will not be an effective teacher. As a mother and a future teacher I want effective teaching, for my children and my students. I think that if you take control as a teacher and let the students know what is expected of them and what will happen in they do not follow the rules then you will be an effective teacher. However, you have to be willing to follow through with your consequences. The children must know that you are serious about your job and wanting them to take as much away from your class. learning wise, as possible. Effective teachers are the backbone of our future, and in order to accomplish effective teaching you have to have rules, responsibility and respect, and consequences for misbehavior.
I agree with you - that effective teaching and control in the classroom go hand in hand. I also like what you said about following through with the consequences. All the rules in the world won't do any good if we don't carry through with the consequences. Good point! Then the students will know we mean what we say - which, in turn, makes us more effective teachers. I just don't see one working very well without the other.
Alisha, I agree with you that effective teachers must enforce consequences to protect the integrity of the classroom environment. I believe students know when teachers genuinely have their best interest at heart. When students believe that the expectations are in place to help them learn and do their best, they will make better choices in the classroom. Teachers must analyze the reason behind the rule to make sure it promotes a safe and healthy classroom environment. Teachers must be observant and acknowledge good behavior. Students who are not living up to the expectations may need positive reinforcement to encourage them to continue making good choices.
Effective teaching and discipline go hand in hand. If a classroom is loud and out of control, then students will have trouble listening and concentrating on what is being taught. I really like Wong's idea of procedures--letting the students know explicitly what you expect and then practicing the procedures. There are times when students are going to be working together in small groups and the classroom will be louder, but with procedures in place for small group work the class will be more in control and focused. During this module we have been writing about our former teachers--the teacher I wrote about as my 'mastery' teacher was a 5th grade teacher who had excellent classroom control. However, I did not choose her as my 'impact' teacher because her classroom was a little cold/unfriendly. I think it is important to remember that discipline in the classroom creates a safe environment, but that discipline without heart can create a cold environment for students. I am hoping to have a disciplined classroom that is also a place students feel accepted and loved.
Sarah, You pose a good point, "discipline without heart can create a cold environment." I did not consider this, but totally agree. Like you, my master teacher fits the description of cold/unfriendly. Her classroom was always well managed, but it was because we were scared to death of her! Setting a warm tone in the classroom is a must when it comes to having effective discipline. You want students to feel welcome, yet know what is expected of them.
Like Amy, I liked how you also made it clear that too much discipline, or as you said, "discipline without heart" can actually be ineffective. Controlling the classroom has to be done out of love and respect for the students, to create an environment where all can learn, and to teach the students how to behave and follow the rules. But it doesn't mean tying a noose around their necks and pulling it tighter every time they mess up. So you post a very important point - just having control doesn't mean we will be effective. The control has to be exercised with love for the students.
I really enjoyed reading your post and love what you said about having without heart. I think that makes a huge difference, not only with the environment, but also with the way children will act. I think if you have heart with your discipline the students will be more likely to do better in your class and want to come back the next day. It is very important that we control our classroom, but we have to make the students feel loved and welcomed at the same time.
I agree with everyone else. Your last sentence was inspiring. Thanks for reminding me that even though discipline is not a "fun" part of managing a classroom, it's essential and can still be done with heartfelt concern and care. I hope I can achieve a classroom environment similar to the one you're aspiring to! Best wishes in the future!
I have had experience in this firsthand this past school year. I just starting subbing at the local school district this last year and I was amazed by the differences between classrooms. You can tell in one day the style of teaching and discipline the classroom teacher has. The control of the classroom is largely affected by the control the teacher has by the effectiveness of their discipline. It also goes the same for a sub. Kids will try to do and get away with as much as possible and if you don't have control on the situation it can get out of handle fast. One time I was subbing for a first grade class that I have had several times before. The class has always behaved well and listened to me. This day I decided to bring cookies for the class since it was Friday and school was almost out. One little thing such as treats changed the whole tone and structure of the class. They went crazy and it was hard to reign them back in. I can see how class room effectiveness is greatly influenced by the control and discipline in the classroom.
Kids will definitely try and get away with whatever they can, especially with a substitute teacher. I remember how kids used to act whenever there was a sub. Everyone thought that it was a free day. It is important to know what the teacher's discipline policy is when subbing. I will remember this someday when I am a teacher and will always make sure that it is published for my substitute teacher.
I also sub, and I have been in every grade possible from K-12. And you are so right - you can right away what kind of control the teacher has in the classroom. I have had classes where the kids are always talking and no matter what I do, I can't get them to be quiet. And I can think of another teacher where he expects silence and he gets it - and it shows up when I sub and hand out worksheets or tell them to read a chapter in the book. It's a good reminder to me that I want to have good control in my classroom!
Kelsey, It is very true, that kids will try to get away with as much as possible and it is our job as future educators to make sure that rules are set so that learning can be effective. I too have noticed that when a teacher is too nice to the children they seem to take that as a sign of weakness and will misbehave, but on the other hand if one is too mean children tend to be distant with one. I have noticed that one needs to be understand and stern at the same time, so that the relationship with the children is not damaged. I have also noticed that if i involve them on coming up with the rules they seem to try hard not to break them.
Effective teaching cannot happen without discipline or vice versa. Wong states that “discipline concerns how students behave.” If students are not behaving, learning is not being accomplished. Establishing and reinforcing procedures creates an effective classroom. When students know what to do there is minimal confusion and wasted time, therefore students are working and learning. A friend of mine uses a checklist to determine who has completed their homework. If homework is not completed, the student(s) stay in at recess and complete the assignment. The procedure works great for her, as most students complete their work on time. When on maternity leave, her procedure became useless. The substitute used the checklist, but did not follow through with the assessed discipline. The result was not only repeat offenders, but new offenders. One day, over fifty percent of the students did not complete their work. Obviously a message about the sub was being sent. Students quickly learned her discipline had no follow through, therefore it was ineffective and they did not need to do their part. It took some time and reinforcement, but my friend eventually got the procedure working again!
Being a sub myself, I know this issue all too well. I don't know what it is but I am constantly trying to be pushed over when I sub in a classroom. Students will try to persuade me of what they "usually do" that is clearly not accurate per my sub plans. It really is hard not to deter away from what I'm given and the sad, persuasive eyes of some students. But you are so right. Following through is imperative to the success of the classroom. Thanks for the reminder! Gotta stay strong in those situations!
I believe that effective teaching and discipline come hand in hand. If there isn't one there can't be another. I remember in high school I had some teachers that were amazing at teaching us what we needed to learn and they had their classes under control and then there were other teachers that didn't have any control of the classroom and we didn't learn nearly as much as we did in the classroom where the teacher had discipline for us and themselves. I think that it is important for a teacher to have a set discipline policy so the students know what is expected of them and same goes for parents also. I have an eight year old and when school is in he knows that after dinner he does his homework at the table until he is done. There has to be discipline in a home to be an effective parent. I've always heard the saying that it is easier to be a bad parent rather than a good parent and it is so true. It is easier to let your child ( or student in the classroom ) do what they want than discipline them.
I had some teachers that were the same way. I also had some very mean teachers, they didn't really seem to care what you had you had to say and they were very strict and not very nice when you did something you weren't supposed to. I would have to agree that I learned more from the teachers who had control of their class and disciplined with heart, as one of the students put it. I also really like how you tied parenting into this as well. You are absolutely correct, you have to be in control at home in order to be an effective parent. It is, like you said, much easier to be bad a parent than a good parent, but being a good parent, just like a good teacher is so much more rewarding!!!
I think effective teaching is the ability to inspire students to learn while discipline is the attempt to redirect student behavior. Effective teaching is your efforts while discipline involves your reaction or action to another’s efforts. Effective teaching begins with your expectations and management and is reinforced by the discipline policy. And unless you have perfect students, one cannot function without the other. One is not more important than the other and both are a constant journey. I think being an effective teacher means actively pursuing those goals mentioned in the Wong text throughout the year and having a discipline policy that is effective. The effectiveness of the discipline policy can counteract the efforts of achieving an effective classroom because it can encourage students to continue behaviors. Both techniques are like a balancing act.
In my subbing experience it is easy to tell what teacher’s are pursuing effective teaching from those who just use a discipline policy. Classroom management is clear to me in a matter of minutes by the respect I am shown from the students. If I’m given respect, voices off, attentive listening, pleasant demeanor, I know their teacher has high expectations of them which tells me he/she is practicing effective teaching strategies. If the classroom is loud, rude, challenging, I can tell they are waiting for my reaction to curve their behavior. I’m thankful for my experiences in subbing because it’s given me a lot of insight to classroom management techniques that work and don’t work.
Substitute teaching is a tough road to handle at times. The title itself has brought forth expectations and experiences that often times brings out the behaviors in the classroom. I do agree that the environment that has been established by the regular educator is a strong determining factor in the outcome of the students. The respect is learned and generalized to all educators.
Substitute teaching is a hard job! My mom is a teacher, and she's not gone very often, but when she is, she has so many people wanting to sub for her. She has her classroom under control and the kids know what is expected of them - regardless of who their teacher is. If the teacher has done a good job, the kids will go about their day just like if their teacher was there.
I also feel that effective teaching and discipline go hand in hand. The book we are reading is awesome and I love the classroom management aspects it is teaching. I feel the biggest key is being consistent. If there are problems we need to make sure we are consistent each and every time. I agree with making sure we are not cold and just mean or nasty in nature. Kids need nurture even when they are disciplined. I also feel that it is very important to give praise, especially to the child who may have had to be disciplined for that same issue previously. I do not feel that being an effective teacher is difficult. I honestly think that we have it in us, but we need to keep educating ourselves and learning from others who are effective teachers.
I agree with you about the importance of consistency. This is the best way to show students you mean what you say. If you are inconsistent, they might try to get away with more since they will not be punished every time. They might also just be confused about why they are disciplined sometimes and not other times. I also believe that praise as opposed to criticism is the way to go. If you always focus on what a student is doing wrong, then they will feel discouraged. I took a class last semester where I learned that focusing on just one thing a student is doing right can turn the behavior around.
A good teacher cannot practice effective teaching without also practicing discipline. A discipline policy that is followed is the key to: 1) teaching and 2) student learning. In a classroom, the discipline/behavior management rules should be explained from day one. The students need to know what behaviors are acceptable and which are not. The teacher should make these clear so that effective teaching and student learning can begin as soon as possible. When a student misbehaves and is disciplined, it is not only that specific student who is prevented from learning. Others sitting around the student will be distracted either by something the student says or does or when the teacher has to deal with the situation. Any time the teacher has to spend on discipline is time away from learning. I have seen the importance of discipline first-hand as a Sunday school teacher. I have taught for several years at my church, and even in the couple hours I am with the kids, I can see how important having rules is. The first thing I try to do right off the bat is eliminate any distractions. This is my first line of defense. The second is a quick verbal warning. I have only had to do it a couple times, but I have had to separate some kids because they were too distracted by who they were sitting by. When I was completing my observations, I saw the different discipline strategies the teachers had in their class. For most students, it only took one warning to get back on track. This is when teaching is very effective. Not only are the students learning about the academic expectations, they are also learning about the social/behavioral expectations.
I like your plan of eliminating all possible distractions before the lesson even begins! A verbal warning is always a great idea too. I hate to see teachers who give multiple warnings with no consequence though.
Effective teaching is having discipline in the classroom. However, like Wong and Wong state in the text, “Effective teachers MANAGE their classrooms. Ineffective teachers DISCIPLINE their classrooms.” An effective teacher is organized and have a well managed classroom, hence not having to discipline their classroom.
I am currently a volunteer for 4-H. I am the leader of a club of about 17 members ages 5 to 16. When I first began I did not realize I had to be organized in order to be effective. The first few meetings we had were chaos. Due to the variation in ages it was more difficult to manage the members. They were each doing their own thing. The teens were talking about one thing while the younger ones rolled on the floor. I felt I was talking to myself. Then I began to do outlines for the weekly meetings. I became organized and more prepared. I realized I no longer had to discipline the members because I now had the group under control. I will now begin subbing in the fall, and this experience will help me to be better prepared to be effective in the classroom.
Martha, I agree classroom organization is critical to being effective. It's bad business when teachers can't find materials and students have to sit and wait. Teachers who aren't prepared set a negative example for students. I am not saying teachers should be perfect, just prepared.
I think a good discipline plan sets the foundation for effective teaching. No matter if you have the most creative strategies, the best technology, or the newest resources if the students are disciplined enough to use it properly they won't get anything out of it.I have been in classrooms with both ends of the "bad discipline spectrum" in my opinion. On one end are the teachers that allow ZERO freedoms for their students. They don't let them move around or make choices on how things will be done. This just makes children fearful and unmotivated. The other side is the teacher who lets students walk in and out of the classroom at will or get up and talk to other students. These rooms are easily distracted and many students just leave the room for the "bathroom" when they don't want to learn the material being taught. I think that a teacher must have good discipline and classroom control in order to effectively teach students AND let them enjoy learning.
I believe that effective teaching requires a teacher to focus on prevention rather than reaction in terms of discipline. Through the use of positive reinforcements teachers can foster students actions to be those that are desired. Nobody wants to always be told "no" or always disciplined and missing out on the "fun stuff" that occurs in the classroom. These are all reactions to a behavior that was undesired and many times the student is unaware of the negative behavior they performed because there was no follow up that occurred. Therefore, if a teacher is consistently pointing out positive behaviors in the class and rewarding them, all students will clearly identify what actions will warrant a reinforcement. Reinforcements can come in many shapes and sizes. In order for some students to see their actions as being worthwhile they may require a simple verbal applause, others may require a physical reinforcement of some sort. In the same sense some students may prefer a public reinforcement whereas others see that as a punishment. This is why it is so important for an educator to know his/her students and learn what is appropriate and effective for each one.
Kristi, I couldn't have said it better myself. I completely agree that prevention is so much better than reaction! Students in this type of classroom feel empowered rather than feeling they are being controlled. Many problems are diverted when students are being praised rather than dodging the criticism of their teacher. I think it's important that teachers find something good about every student to make a connection with the student. Occasionally, this is easier said than done, however the impact that is made on the student is worth the extra effort.
You said what I was thinking. Prevention is the best way to go. My younger children in my class don't really care to much if they have to stay in for recess and it doesn't really process the reasoning that they are staying inside.
Discipline is an important part of the effective classroom. Discipline must make sense, be appropriate, and consistent. Expectations of appropriate classroom behavior must be communicated to students. Teachers must maintain a classroom environment that is comfortable and safe. Consequences of poor choices should match the offense. Students should know that there are consequences for their choices; good or bad. Consequences should be the same for every student. From my experience, students that know the teacher sincerely cares for them will be more inclined to make good choices in the classroom. When disciplining students it is extremely important not to humiliate them. It is important to create a classroom where students learn how important it is to respect each other. When students feel valued even when they may have made a poor choice they will think twice the next time they are inclined to act out.
Michelle, I agree with your statement, "Discipline must make sense, be appropriate, and consistent." I think consistency is very important. It is important to always enforce rules and not just sometimes.
I don't think you can have an effective classroom without enforcing some type of discipline that the children can follow. I personally have seen that children work better if they help come up with the rules, because they feel a part of that group. This also gives the teacher a chance to see what the children consider important to them and what they view as bad behavior. We need to understand that some of these children are not being disciplined at home and as educators they may look up to us for a sense of direction, so it is very important to understand and discipline them when needed. It does not have to be harsh, but compatible with the severity of the action. Effective teaching is only effective when discipline is being used.
Ana, Involving students in creating classroom rules is a great idea. When students take ownership of the classroom environment they will encourage each other to follow the rules. I also think what you said about the discipline being what the students can follow is so important. The expectations should be realistic and age appropriate. For instance, in a kindergarten classroom students should be able to communicate with each other and the classroom may be "noisy". Teachers who realize what students need will make sure that the classroom environment supports it.
Like most of you have said, without discipline, it is hard to have an effective classroom. As a para, I have seen many different types of classroom structures. For example, at the school I am a para at, one classroom teacher does not enforce his rules what-so-ever, therefore, there is not much discipline, students out of their desk constantly, disruption after disruption, talking out of turn, etc. How can this be effective when one cannot concentrate? In order to have an effective classroom, I believe you must enforce your rules, without boundaries there will be little respect and an untamed monster kind of classroom.
Maria, I also agree with you. If there is no discipline then the teacher cannot have an effective classroom. Not only will the students making the disruptions not be able to learn material presented but also the students behaving suffer the consequences.
Effective teaching and discipline go hand in hand. An effective classroom is one that has structure as well as discipline. Effective teaching, however, includes positive and negative consequences. Children receive praise and re-enforcement when deserved. The teacher enforces the clearly defined discipline plan consistently and without bias. In my experience, I have seen teachers play favorites, which gives an uneven playing field for students and while favoring some it deflates most students, knowing there is no way to get in good graces. Children need to be seen as equals to their peers and not the teachers. Children do have a voice, but if a teacher is effective, he or she will listen and guide appropriately. Not criticize or favor when inappropriate.
I think discipline is there to back up effective teaching when necessary. I feel like effective teachers use a proactive approach to discipline. Effective teachers go over rules the first day of school and stick to those rules no matter what. In one classroom I observed, the teacher would have the students sign the late slip sheet when they entered the classroom and put down their reason for being late. Then they would walk to their desk and do their work. They students knew the routine and knew they had to meet with the teacher after class. She had the rules posted and the consequence of those rules right next to them. There was no disruption when the student came in late and he knew exactly what to do.
I think it is very smart to stick to the rules no matter what. Without consistency, students are unsure what rules are enforced when or where. Once the students are confused about rules it leads to problems in the classroom.
It's great that you included the word routine! I feel like more than discipline implementation, students need routine and consistency to foster a well-managed learning environment. I feel like discipline should be a last effort to solve a barrier in the routine such as a student acting out, but usually if consistency is expected from students they will stick to the daily plan. I think the students signing the late slip sheet and knowing to go sit down is a sign of an effective classroom.
Effective teaching in the classroom is guiding the students to learn not only facts, but how to work through problems independently and effectively. With effective teaching, there will be some discipline needed in the classroom, but there should be less discipline than there is positive reinforcement. There will always be a need for some discipline, and when it is necessary, a teacher should not be hesitant in implementing discipline for a student. I agree with the fact that teachers should always follow the same rules that were set at the beginning of the year. If a teacher decided one day the something is acceptable, and the next day that it is not acceptable, then the students will get confused and this will lead to an increase in undesired behavior on the part of the students. In response to Maria Barnes post, I know many teacher assistants who want to be more of a friend to the students than a teacher. When these assistants try to discipline the students, they do not take her seriously which cause additional reinforcement such as another teacher to be brought into the situation. This causes problems with everyone because then the teacher that had to step in and take control for the teacher who had no control loses respect for that teacher. Children are smart, and they know who they can push beyond the limits and who can stand their ground. In order to be an effective teacher, you have to know how to be the leader in the classroom, how to discipline and provide positive reinforcement, and how to make your students enjoy coming to your class and become lifelong learners.
Effective teaching and discipline go hand in hand in the classroom. Without effective discipline, then effective teaching cannot happen. One or the other isn’t going to be enough for a good learning environment. The teacher needs to be positive and discipline in the same manner every day. Without discipline, children will act out and the teacher will lose control. When there is no control, then the students aren’t learning anything. Last year as a para, I was in a first grade classroom. While the teacher did try to discipline the students, it wasn’t the same for each one. If both kids were behaving the same way, usually she only punished the one that she liked the least. It was heartbreaking to see that she played favorites. The kids could clearly see this, and the ones who were least liked tended to not pay as much attention to the lessons as others. Discipline needs to be fair, so that all children are getting the same attention. Children that are out of control and acting up cause distractions, in which case causes problems for all students. Discipline and effective teaching creates an environment conducive to learning.
I think that classroom management is all about taking preventative measures to keep unwanted behavior out of the classroom. I believe that to truly be an effective teacher, you must be able to have a set discipline policy in place. This discipline policy helps to ensure that the classroom remains in state that is beneficial to the students learning. I have been in both disciplined and undisciplined classrooms, and can definitely see the difference in the teacher effectiveness. The teacher without discipline rarely was able to teach the lesson he wanted to teach because the class was extremely out of control. However, the disciplined classroom was a great learning environment. This teacher had a great discipline policy in place and each student understood the consequences for their actions. It was so easy to learn in this environment because there were very little distractions. In conclusion, I feel that students learn most effectively when they are in a disciplined environment.
Taylor I completely understand your view point. I too have been in both a very chaotic and unstructured room as well as one that was structured and had a set forth discipline policy. The difference is literally night and day. I dreaded going to work when I was in the chaotic classroom, and when I was moved to the structured one it was the best job that I had ever had. It was what made me want to become a teacher and finish my degree. What a difference an effective discipline policy can make as far as how structured and well behaved the children are.
I think it's very true that it's much harder to learn in an undisciplined classroom, but it can also be hard to learn in a classroom that is too disciplined. A classroom where the teacher is constantly yelling at students can be just as ineffective as an undisciplined classroom. I think you were on the right track in saying that a classroom should have a clear policy in place. I just don't know if calling it a discipline policy is exactly what is needed for a healthy learning environment.
The difference between effective teaching and discipline is often the difference between a great teacher and a horrible teaching. A teacher that has to discipline his or her classroom is an ineffective teacher. A teacher that practices effective teaching has a consistent set of guidelines implemented into their classroom. Students taught by an effective teacher will come to class and feel a sense of security due to the order of the classroom. According to the book, students want a well managed classroom. They do not like the chaos created in a disciplined classroom, but when a teacher is disorganized or unprepared a spark is ignited and a students will act out. I can think of a few examples of an effective teacher. One was my first grade teacher who had a backup plan for everything. We came into the class and she always had the days agenda up on the board, so that we knew what the day held for us. She also had clearly defined rules and guidelines for behavior and expectations in her classroom. There weren't many behavior problems, and when they did happen they were quickly taken care of without much disruption from the rest of the class. An example of a disciplined classroom I was a part of was my senior English class. My teacher was very scatterbrained and spent a good portion of our class time trying to get her computer to work or trying to find papers important to her lesson. She rarely had copies made when we needed them and again wasted class time doing what should have been prepared beforehand. Because of her lack of organization, the class often got restless and end yelled at for disrupting other classrooms via noise levels. Her lack of discipline and organization really took away from the fact that when she did teach she had very interesting things to say.
Through my experiences as both a student and a parent of students, I am convinced that effective teaching doesn't take place without discipline, or good classroom control. I had teachers who were pushovers, and students could do whatever they wanted. Did learning take place? Yes, but I had to be motivated to stay on task and push myself. I have been in classrooms where the teacher was not respected (and personally, I thought he brought it on himself), because he could not control the class. But I have also experienced teachers who had perfect control and respect in the classroom, and they got their subject matter taught and taught it effectively. As I've watched my own kids go through different classes and different teachers, I would say it is still true today. The most effective teachers are the ones who can control the classroom. I have subbed for elementary teachers whose only punishment is taking minutes away from recess. Because the same children were missing recess day after day (and these were the students who needed their recess time the most!), I finally got bold and asked one teacher if their idea was really working. She admittedly said it was not. From my subbing experiences, I can tell which teachers have control over the class and which do not. To be an effective teacher, I feel you have to have the respect and the attention of the students. If some students are talking, the rest of the class is distracted and can't pay attention or maybe can't even hear what is being said. If students are able to move whenever they want, or leave the room to get a drink or go to the restroom whenever they want, they are losing out on part of the teaching. If students are distracted or gone from the class, they are not going learn as effectively. If students know they have to pay attention and listen, they will focus better and learn more.
ReplyDeleteJenny,
DeleteIt is great that you have subbing experience, I am sure that will be such a help when you have your own classroom. I agree that discipline and effective teaching go hand in hand. I have been working as a para for the past four years and I hate to see teachers take recess away from students. You're right, it seems that the same students are missing recess again and again--and they are the ones who would benefit from the physical activity of recess the most! If taking away recess is not working to change student behavior, then the teacher should re-evaluate and find something that does motivate his/her students. I love Wong's idea of procedures for everything. I think that is going to help me get my class under control--letting students know what is expected and practicing those behaviors.
Sarah
I think that is great that you took the initiative and asked the teacher if her discipline strategies were working by taking away recess. Good for you!! I'm sure that the teacher learned something new that day.
DeleteI also think it took courage to ask the teacher if her discipline strategies were working. You never know how a person will react, especially a teacher being questioned by a sub. However, I am sure she had to stop and think, "What could I try that may work better?" So I agree, GOOD JOB!!!
DeleteI agree that it took a lot of courage for you to address the teacher about her discipline policies. I am sure the ones who were acting out would definitely have benefited from recess. We forget how much good physical activity can do for these kids.
DeleteI agree that it was bold and courageous of you to ask the teacher if her discipline strategies were working. In the teacher ed department they always say "never take away recess." I don't see this working in my internships either. The students just get discouraged and like you pointed out usually the ones we are keeping in are the ones who need the movement the most. One little guy even told me "I don't get any help at home and I know I'll get in trouble for something and have to stay in for recess anyway, so why try and do my homework at home." That is not the kind of thinking we as teachers want in the classroom.
DeleteI agree, effective teaching does not take place without discipline or follow through. I have an assistant teacher and she is kind of a push over. The children know that she never follows through with what she says so they just don't listen to her. If I say eat and stop playing at the table they will do it because they know that if they keep playing I will excuse them from the table, but if she says it they won't stop playing.
DeleteI think the relationship between the two are very important. If you ask me you can not have one with out the other. If you do not have control over your class you will not be an effective teacher. As a mother and a future teacher I want effective teaching, for my children and my students. I think that if you take control as a teacher and let the students know what is expected of them and what will happen in they do not follow the rules then you will be an effective teacher. However, you have to be willing to follow through with your consequences. The children must know that you are serious about your job and wanting them to take as much away from your class. learning wise, as possible. Effective teachers are the backbone of our future, and in order to accomplish effective teaching you have to have rules, responsibility and respect, and consequences for misbehavior.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - that effective teaching and control in the classroom go hand in hand. I also like what you said about following through with the consequences. All the rules in the world won't do any good if we don't carry through with the consequences. Good point! Then the students will know we mean what we say - which, in turn, makes us more effective teachers. I just don't see one working very well without the other.
DeleteAlisha,
DeleteI agree with you that effective teachers must enforce consequences to protect the integrity of the classroom environment. I believe students know when teachers genuinely have their best interest at heart. When students believe that the expectations are in place to help them learn and do their best, they will make better choices in the classroom. Teachers must analyze the reason behind the rule to make sure it promotes a safe and healthy classroom environment. Teachers must be observant and acknowledge good behavior. Students who are not living up to the expectations may need positive reinforcement to encourage them to continue making good choices.
Effective teaching and discipline go hand in hand. If a classroom is loud and out of control, then students will have trouble listening and concentrating on what is being taught. I really like Wong's idea of procedures--letting the students know explicitly what you expect and then practicing the procedures. There are times when students are going to be working together in small groups and the classroom will be louder, but with procedures in place for small group work the class will be more in control and focused. During this module we have been writing about our former teachers--the teacher I wrote about as my 'mastery' teacher was a 5th grade teacher who had excellent classroom control. However, I did not choose her as my 'impact' teacher because her classroom was a little cold/unfriendly. I think it is important to remember that discipline in the classroom creates a safe environment, but that discipline without heart can create a cold environment for students. I am hoping to have a disciplined classroom that is also a place students feel accepted and loved.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
DeleteYou pose a good point, "discipline without heart can create a cold environment." I did not consider this, but totally agree. Like you, my master teacher fits the description of cold/unfriendly. Her classroom was always well managed, but it was because we were scared to death of her! Setting a warm tone in the classroom is a must when it comes to having effective discipline. You want students to feel welcome, yet know what is expected of them.
Like Amy, I liked how you also made it clear that too much discipline, or as you said, "discipline without heart" can actually be ineffective. Controlling the classroom has to be done out of love and respect for the students, to create an environment where all can learn, and to teach the students how to behave and follow the rules. But it doesn't mean tying a noose around their necks and pulling it tighter every time they mess up. So you post a very important point - just having control doesn't mean we will be effective. The control has to be exercised with love for the students.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your post and love what you said about having without heart. I think that makes a huge difference, not only with the environment, but also with the way children will act. I think if you have heart with your discipline the students will be more likely to do better in your class and want to come back the next day. It is very important that we control our classroom, but we have to make the students feel loved and welcomed at the same time.
DeleteI agree with everyone else. Your last sentence was inspiring. Thanks for reminding me that even though discipline is not a "fun" part of managing a classroom, it's essential and can still be done with heartfelt concern and care. I hope I can achieve a classroom environment similar to the one you're aspiring to! Best wishes in the future!
DeleteI have had experience in this firsthand this past school year. I just starting subbing at the local school district this last year and I was amazed by the differences between classrooms. You can tell in one day the style of teaching and discipline the classroom teacher has. The control of the classroom is largely affected by the control the teacher has by the effectiveness of their discipline. It also goes the same for a sub. Kids will try to do and get away with as much as possible and if you don't have control on the situation it can get out of handle fast. One time I was subbing for a first grade class that I have had several times before. The class has always behaved well and listened to me. This day I decided to bring cookies for the class since it was Friday and school was almost out. One little thing such as treats changed the whole tone and structure of the class. They went crazy and it was hard to reign them back in. I can see how class room effectiveness is greatly influenced by the control and discipline in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteKids will definitely try and get away with whatever they can, especially with a substitute teacher. I remember how kids used to act whenever there was a sub. Everyone thought that it was a free day. It is important to know what the teacher's discipline policy is when subbing. I will remember this someday when I am a teacher and will always make sure that it is published for my substitute teacher.
DeleteI also sub, and I have been in every grade possible from K-12. And you are so right - you can right away what kind of control the teacher has in the classroom. I have had classes where the kids are always talking and no matter what I do, I can't get them to be quiet. And I can think of another teacher where he expects silence and he gets it - and it shows up when I sub and hand out worksheets or tell them to read a chapter in the book. It's a good reminder to me that I want to have good control in my classroom!
DeleteKelsey,
DeleteIt is very true, that kids will try to get away with as much as possible and it is our job as future educators to make sure that rules are set so that learning can be effective. I too have noticed that when a teacher is too nice to the children they seem to take that as a sign of weakness and will misbehave, but on the other hand if one is too mean children tend to be distant with one. I have noticed that one needs to be understand and stern at the same time, so that the relationship with the children is not damaged. I have also noticed that if i involve them on coming up with the rules they seem to try hard not to break them.
Effective teaching cannot happen without discipline or vice versa. Wong states that “discipline concerns how students behave.” If students are not behaving, learning is not being accomplished. Establishing and reinforcing procedures creates an effective classroom. When students know what to do there is minimal confusion and wasted time, therefore students are working and learning.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine uses a checklist to determine who has completed their homework. If homework is not completed, the student(s) stay in at recess and complete the assignment. The procedure works great for her, as most students complete their work on time. When on maternity leave, her procedure became useless. The substitute used the checklist, but did not follow through with the assessed discipline. The result was not only repeat offenders, but new offenders. One day, over fifty percent of the students did not complete their work. Obviously a message about the sub was being sent. Students quickly learned her discipline had no follow through, therefore it was ineffective and they did not need to do their part. It took some time and reinforcement, but my friend eventually got the procedure working again!
Amy, What a good post about the importance of follow through. Having the procedures in place is not enough--you have to follow them!
DeleteSarah
Being a sub myself, I know this issue all too well. I don't know what it is but I am constantly trying to be pushed over when I sub in a classroom. Students will try to persuade me of what they "usually do" that is clearly not accurate per my sub plans. It really is hard not to deter away from what I'm given and the sad, persuasive eyes of some students. But you are so right. Following through is imperative to the success of the classroom. Thanks for the reminder! Gotta stay strong in those situations!
DeleteI believe that effective teaching and discipline come hand in hand. If there isn't one there can't be another. I remember in high school I had some teachers that were amazing at teaching us what we needed to learn and they had their classes under control and then there were other teachers that didn't have any control of the classroom and we didn't learn nearly as much as we did in the classroom where the teacher had discipline for us and themselves. I think that it is important for a teacher to have a set discipline policy so the students know what is expected of them and same goes for parents also. I have an eight year old and when school is in he knows that after dinner he does his homework at the table until he is done. There has to be discipline in a home to be an effective parent. I've always heard the saying that it is easier to be a bad parent rather than a good parent and it is so true. It is easier to let your child ( or student in the classroom ) do what they want than discipline them.
ReplyDeleteI had some teachers that were the same way. I also had some very mean teachers, they didn't really seem to care what you had you had to say and they were very strict and not very nice when you did something you weren't supposed to. I would have to agree that I learned more from the teachers who had control of their class and disciplined with heart, as one of the students put it. I also really like how you tied parenting into this as well. You are absolutely correct, you have to be in control at home in order to be an effective parent. It is, like you said, much easier to be bad a parent than a good parent, but being a good parent, just like a good teacher is so much more rewarding!!!
DeleteI think effective teaching is the ability to inspire students to learn while discipline is the attempt to redirect student behavior. Effective teaching is your efforts while discipline involves your reaction or action to another’s efforts. Effective teaching begins with your expectations and management and is reinforced by the discipline policy. And unless you have perfect students, one cannot function without the other. One is not more important than the other and both are a constant journey. I think being an effective teacher means actively pursuing those goals mentioned in the Wong text throughout the year and having a discipline policy that is effective. The effectiveness of the discipline policy can counteract the efforts of achieving an effective classroom because it can encourage students to continue behaviors. Both techniques are like a balancing act.
ReplyDeleteIn my subbing experience it is easy to tell what teacher’s are pursuing effective teaching from those who just use a discipline policy. Classroom management is clear to me in a matter of minutes by the respect I am shown from the students. If I’m given respect, voices off, attentive listening, pleasant demeanor, I know their teacher has high expectations of them which tells me he/she is practicing effective teaching strategies. If the classroom is loud, rude, challenging, I can tell they are waiting for my reaction to curve their behavior. I’m thankful for my experiences in subbing because it’s given me a lot of insight to classroom management techniques that work and don’t work.
Substitute teaching is a tough road to handle at times. The title itself has brought forth expectations and experiences that often times brings out the behaviors in the classroom. I do agree that the environment that has been established by the regular educator is a strong determining factor in the outcome of the students. The respect is learned and generalized to all educators.
DeleteSubstitute teaching is a hard job! My mom is a teacher, and she's not gone very often, but when she is, she has so many people wanting to sub for her. She has her classroom under control and the kids know what is expected of them - regardless of who their teacher is. If the teacher has done a good job, the kids will go about their day just like if their teacher was there.
DeleteThanks for sharing!
Sonya
I also feel that effective teaching and discipline go hand in hand. The book we are reading is awesome and I love the classroom management aspects it is teaching. I feel the biggest key is being consistent. If there are problems we need to make sure we are consistent each and every time. I agree with making sure we are not cold and just mean or nasty in nature. Kids need nurture even when they are disciplined. I also feel that it is very important to give praise, especially to the child who may have had to be disciplined for that same issue previously. I do not feel that being an effective teacher is difficult. I honestly think that we have it in us, but we need to keep educating ourselves and learning from others who are effective teachers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the importance of consistency. This is the best way to show students you mean what you say. If you are inconsistent, they might try to get away with more since they will not be punished every time. They might also just be confused about why they are disciplined sometimes and not other times. I also believe that praise as opposed to criticism is the way to go. If you always focus on what a student is doing wrong, then they will feel discouraged. I took a class last semester where I learned that focusing on just one thing a student is doing right can turn the behavior around.
DeleteA good teacher cannot practice effective teaching without also practicing discipline. A discipline policy that is followed is the key to: 1) teaching and 2) student learning. In a classroom, the discipline/behavior management rules should be explained from day one. The students need to know what behaviors are acceptable and which are not. The teacher should make these clear so that effective teaching and student learning can begin as soon as possible. When a student misbehaves and is disciplined, it is not only that specific student who is prevented from learning. Others sitting around the student will be distracted either by something the student says or does or when the teacher has to deal with the situation. Any time the teacher has to spend on discipline is time away from learning. I have seen the importance of discipline first-hand as a Sunday school teacher. I have taught for several years at my church, and even in the couple hours I am with the kids, I can see how important having rules is. The first thing I try to do right off the bat is eliminate any distractions. This is my first line of defense. The second is a quick verbal warning. I have only had to do it a couple times, but I have had to separate some kids because they were too distracted by who they were sitting by. When I was completing my observations, I saw the different discipline strategies the teachers had in their class. For most students, it only took one warning to get back on track. This is when teaching is very effective. Not only are the students learning about the academic expectations, they are also learning about the social/behavioral expectations.
ReplyDeleteI like your plan of eliminating all possible distractions before the lesson even begins! A verbal warning is always a great idea too. I hate to see teachers who give multiple warnings with no consequence though.
DeleteEffective teaching is having discipline in the classroom. However, like Wong and Wong state in the text, “Effective teachers MANAGE their classrooms. Ineffective teachers DISCIPLINE their classrooms.” An effective teacher is organized and have a well managed classroom, hence not having to discipline their classroom.
ReplyDeleteI am currently a volunteer for 4-H. I am the leader of a club of about 17 members ages 5 to 16. When I first began I did not realize I had to be organized in order to be effective. The first few meetings we had were chaos. Due to the variation in ages it was more difficult to manage the members. They were each doing their own thing. The teens were talking about one thing while the younger ones rolled on the floor. I felt I was talking to myself. Then I began to do outlines for the weekly meetings. I became organized and more prepared. I realized I no longer had to discipline the members because I now had the group under control. I will now begin subbing in the fall, and this experience will help me to be better prepared to be effective in the classroom.
Martha,
DeleteI agree classroom organization is critical to being effective. It's bad business when teachers can't find materials and students have to sit and wait. Teachers who aren't prepared set a negative example for students. I am not saying teachers should be perfect, just prepared.
I think a good discipline plan sets the foundation for effective teaching. No matter if you have the most creative strategies, the best technology, or the newest resources if the students are disciplined enough to use it properly they won't get anything out of it.I have been in classrooms with both ends of the "bad discipline spectrum" in my opinion. On one end are the teachers that allow ZERO freedoms for their students. They don't let them move around or make choices on how things will be done. This just makes children fearful and unmotivated. The other side is the teacher who lets students walk in and out of the classroom at will or get up and talk to other students. These rooms are easily distracted and many students just leave the room for the "bathroom" when they don't want to learn the material being taught. I think that a teacher must have good discipline and classroom control in order to effectively teach students AND let them enjoy learning.
ReplyDeleteI believe that effective teaching requires a teacher to focus on prevention rather than reaction in terms of discipline. Through the use of positive reinforcements teachers can foster students actions to be those that are desired. Nobody wants to always be told "no" or always disciplined and missing out on the "fun stuff" that occurs in the classroom. These are all reactions to a behavior that was undesired and many times the student is unaware of the negative behavior they performed because there was no follow up that occurred. Therefore, if a teacher is consistently pointing out positive behaviors in the class and rewarding them, all students will clearly identify what actions will warrant a reinforcement. Reinforcements can come in many shapes and sizes. In order for some students to see their actions as being worthwhile they may require a simple verbal applause, others may require a physical reinforcement of some sort. In the same sense some students may prefer a public reinforcement whereas others see that as a punishment. This is why it is so important for an educator to know his/her students and learn what is appropriate and effective for each one.
ReplyDeleteKristi,
DeleteI couldn't have said it better myself. I completely agree that prevention is so much better than reaction! Students in this type of classroom feel empowered rather than feeling they are being controlled. Many problems are diverted when students are being praised rather than dodging the criticism of their teacher. I think it's important that teachers find something good about every student to make a connection with the student. Occasionally, this is easier said than done, however the impact that is made on the student is worth the extra effort.
You said what I was thinking. Prevention is the best way to go. My younger children in my class don't really care to much if they have to stay in for recess and it doesn't really process the reasoning that they are staying inside.
DeleteDiscipline is an important part of the effective classroom. Discipline must make sense, be appropriate, and consistent. Expectations of appropriate classroom behavior must be communicated to students. Teachers must maintain a classroom environment that is comfortable and safe. Consequences of poor choices should match the offense. Students should know that there are consequences for their choices; good or bad. Consequences should be the same for every student. From my experience, students that know the teacher sincerely cares for them will be more inclined to make good choices in the classroom. When disciplining students it is extremely important not to humiliate them. It is important to create a classroom where students learn how important it is to respect each other. When students feel valued even when they may have made a poor choice they will think twice the next time they are inclined to act out.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I agree with your statement, "Discipline must make sense, be appropriate, and consistent." I think consistency is very important. It is important to always enforce rules and not just sometimes.
DeleteI don't think you can have an effective classroom without enforcing some type of discipline that the children can follow. I personally have seen that children work better if they help come up with the rules, because they feel a part of that group. This also gives the teacher a chance to see what the children consider important to them and what they view as bad behavior. We need to understand that some of these children are not being disciplined at home and as educators they may look up to us for a sense of direction, so it is very important to understand and discipline them when needed. It does not have to be harsh, but compatible with the severity of the action.
ReplyDeleteEffective teaching is only effective when discipline is being used.
Ana,
DeleteInvolving students in creating classroom rules is a great idea. When students take ownership of the classroom environment they will encourage each other to follow the rules.
I also think what you said about the discipline being what the students can follow is so important. The expectations should be realistic and age appropriate. For instance, in a kindergarten classroom students should be able to communicate with each other and the classroom may be "noisy". Teachers who realize what students need will make sure that the classroom environment supports it.
Like most of you have said, without discipline, it is hard to have an effective classroom. As a para, I have seen many different types of classroom structures. For example, at the school I am a para at, one classroom teacher does not enforce his rules what-so-ever, therefore, there is not much discipline, students out of their desk constantly, disruption after disruption, talking out of turn, etc. How can this be effective when one cannot concentrate? In order to have an effective classroom, I believe you must enforce your rules, without boundaries there will be little respect and an untamed monster kind of classroom.
ReplyDeleteMaria, I also agree with you. If there is no discipline then the teacher cannot have an effective classroom. Not only will the students making the disruptions not be able to learn material presented but also the students behaving suffer the consequences.
DeleteI have an assistant like that now. The students do not take her seriously and rarely ever listen when she tells them to do something.
DeleteEffective teaching and discipline go hand in hand. An effective classroom is one that has structure as well as discipline. Effective teaching, however, includes positive and negative consequences. Children receive praise and re-enforcement when deserved. The teacher enforces the clearly defined discipline plan consistently and without bias. In my experience, I have seen teachers play favorites, which gives an uneven playing field for students and while favoring some it deflates most students, knowing there is no way to get in good graces. Children need to be seen as equals to their peers and not the teachers. Children do have a voice, but if a teacher is effective, he or she will listen and guide appropriately. Not criticize or favor when inappropriate.
ReplyDeleteI think discipline is there to back up effective teaching when necessary. I feel like effective teachers use a proactive approach to discipline. Effective teachers go over rules the first day of school and stick to those rules no matter what. In one classroom I observed, the teacher would have the students sign the late slip sheet when they entered the classroom and put down their reason for being late. Then they would walk to their desk and do their work. They students knew the routine and knew they had to meet with the teacher after class. She had the rules posted and the consequence of those rules right next to them. There was no disruption when the student came in late and he knew exactly what to do.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very smart to stick to the rules no matter what. Without consistency, students are unsure what rules are enforced when or where. Once the students are confused about rules it leads to problems in the classroom.
DeleteIt's great that you included the word routine! I feel like more than discipline implementation, students need routine and consistency to foster a well-managed learning environment. I feel like discipline should be a last effort to solve a barrier in the routine such as a student acting out, but usually if consistency is expected from students they will stick to the daily plan. I think the students signing the late slip sheet and knowing to go sit down is a sign of an effective classroom.
DeleteEffective teaching in the classroom is guiding the students to learn not only facts, but how to work through problems independently and effectively. With effective teaching, there will be some discipline needed in the classroom, but there should be less discipline than there is positive reinforcement. There will always be a need for some discipline, and when it is necessary, a teacher should not be hesitant in implementing discipline for a student. I agree with the fact that teachers should always follow the same rules that were set at the beginning of the year. If a teacher decided one day the something is acceptable, and the next day that it is not acceptable, then the students will get confused and this will lead to an increase in undesired behavior on the part of the students.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Maria Barnes post, I know many teacher assistants who want to be more of a friend to the students than a teacher. When these assistants try to discipline the students, they do not take her seriously which cause additional reinforcement such as another teacher to be brought into the situation. This causes problems with everyone because then the teacher that had to step in and take control for the teacher who had no control loses respect for that teacher. Children are smart, and they know who they can push beyond the limits and who can stand their ground. In order to be an effective teacher, you have to know how to be the leader in the classroom, how to discipline and provide positive reinforcement, and how to make your students enjoy coming to your class and become lifelong learners.
Effective teaching and discipline go hand in hand in the classroom. Without effective discipline, then effective teaching cannot happen. One or the other isn’t going to be enough for a good learning environment. The teacher needs to be positive and discipline in the same manner every day. Without discipline, children will act out and the teacher will lose control. When there is no control, then the students aren’t learning anything. Last year as a para, I was in a first grade classroom. While the teacher did try to discipline the students, it wasn’t the same for each one. If both kids were behaving the same way, usually she only punished the one that she liked the least. It was heartbreaking to see that she played favorites. The kids could clearly see this, and the ones who were least liked tended to not pay as much attention to the lessons as others. Discipline needs to be fair, so that all children are getting the same attention. Children that are out of control and acting up cause distractions, in which case causes problems for all students. Discipline and effective teaching creates an environment conducive to learning.
ReplyDeleteSonya
I think that classroom management is all about taking preventative measures to keep unwanted behavior out of the classroom. I believe that to truly be an effective teacher, you must be able to have a set discipline policy in place. This discipline policy helps to ensure that the classroom remains in state that is beneficial to the students learning. I have been in both disciplined and undisciplined classrooms, and can definitely see the difference in the teacher effectiveness. The teacher without discipline rarely was able to teach the lesson he wanted to teach because the class was extremely out of control. However, the disciplined classroom was a great learning environment. This teacher had a great discipline policy in place and each student understood the consequences for their actions. It was so easy to learn in this environment because there were very little distractions. In conclusion, I feel that students learn most effectively when they are in a disciplined environment.
ReplyDeleteTaylor
Taylor I completely understand your view point. I too have been in both a very chaotic and unstructured room as well as one that was structured and had a set forth discipline policy. The difference is literally night and day. I dreaded going to work when I was in the chaotic classroom, and when I was moved to the structured one it was the best job that I had ever had. It was what made me want to become a teacher and finish my degree. What a difference an effective discipline policy can make as far as how structured and well behaved the children are.
DeleteI think it's very true that it's much harder to learn in an undisciplined classroom, but it can also be hard to learn in a classroom that is too disciplined. A classroom where the teacher is constantly yelling at students can be just as ineffective as an undisciplined classroom. I think you were on the right track in saying that a classroom should have a clear policy in place. I just don't know if calling it a discipline policy is exactly what is needed for a healthy learning environment.
DeleteThe difference between effective teaching and discipline is often the difference between a great teacher and a horrible teaching. A teacher that has to discipline his or her classroom is an ineffective teacher. A teacher that practices effective teaching has a consistent set of guidelines implemented into their classroom. Students taught by an effective teacher will come to class and feel a sense of security due to the order of the classroom. According to the book, students want a well managed classroom. They do not like the chaos created in a disciplined classroom, but when a teacher is disorganized or unprepared a spark is ignited and a students will act out.
ReplyDeleteI can think of a few examples of an effective teacher. One was my first grade teacher who had a backup plan for everything. We came into the class and she always had the days agenda up on the board, so that we knew what the day held for us. She also had clearly defined rules and guidelines for behavior and expectations in her classroom. There weren't many behavior problems, and when they did happen they were quickly taken care of without much disruption from the rest of the class.
An example of a disciplined classroom I was a part of was my senior English class. My teacher was very scatterbrained and spent a good portion of our class time trying to get her computer to work or trying to find papers important to her lesson. She rarely had copies made when we needed them and again wasted class time doing what should have been prepared beforehand. Because of her lack of organization, the class often got restless and end yelled at for disrupting other classrooms via noise levels. Her lack of discipline and organization really took away from the fact that when she did teach she had very interesting things to say.