Don't Suffer in Silence! The Power of Sharing Discipline Issues
As a teacher, it is important to have support and guidance in managing student behavior. One way to receive help is by sharing discipline-related problems with a colleague. Having someone to bounce ideas off of, listen to advice, and work through difficult situations can greatly improve a teacher's ability to handle misbehavior effectively and maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
Glasgow (2009) shared the research about sharing discipline-related problems with colleagues. The study by Lewis in Melbourne, Australia, discusses the tension between the ideal method of discipline and the actual methods used by teachers. The results showed that teachers who experienced the greatest stress wanted to empower their students in decision-making. Institutional pressure also played a role in the choice of discipline methods. The study found that teachers generally coped with the stress, but those who had the most stress also had a greater tendency to use ineffective strategies, which contributed to higher stress levels. The results emphasize the importance of teachers seeking help and not suffering in silence when faced with discipline problems.
To handle misbehavior in the classroom, new teachers can:
Share and establish clear expectations and routines from day one. This includes things like classroom rules, a seating chart, and procedures for entering and exiting the classroom, and expectations for behavior during lessons and group work.
Listen to student concerns and be fair and consistent with your discipline. When students break the rules, it's important to address the behavior. This means having a clear system of consequences that is applied evenly to all students.
Use positive reinforcement. Catch students being good! When students are following the rules or demonstrating positive behavior, be sure to acknowledge them. This could be done with verbal praise, a thumbs up, or a sticker chart. Positive reinforcement helps to encourage students to continue following the rules.
Vary your instructional strategies. Students are more likely to be engaged and on-task if you use a variety of instructional strategies in your lessons. This could include lectures, discussions, group activities, hands-on learning, and technology integration. By keeping things interesting, you'll help to reduce boredom and the opportunity for disruption.
Don't suffer in isolation; build relationships with other teachers and seek support from your instructional coach.
What Are The Benefits of Sharing Disciples-Related Problems
Sharing discipline-related problems with colleagues can be crucial in resolving the issue and improving the classroom environment. This collaboration allows teachers to receive support, gain new perspectives, and find effective solutions to discipline challenges (Blandford, 2003). By working together, teachers can reduce stress and increase their overall success in managing student behavior.
Sometimes you're too close to the situation to see a clear solution. A colleague can offer a new perspective on the problem and suggest strategies you might not have considered.
Shared Experience: They might have worked through a similar situation and can share what worked for them. This shared experience can be comforting and validating, letting you know you're not alone.
Brainstorming Solutions: Together, you can brainstorm a wider range of solutions than you could on your own. This collaborative approach can lead to more creative and effective ways to address the discipline issue.
Support and Encouragement: Dealing with discipline problems can be stressful. Talking to a colleague can provide emotional support and encouragement. They can remind you of your strengths and help you stay positive.
Professional Development: Sharing experiences allows you to learn from each other. You can pick up new techniques and approaches for handling discipline issues, leading to your professional development.
Conclusion
While classroom rules and discipline are foundational, fostering a positive learning environment goes a long way New teachers, especially, may face hurdles in effectively managing student behavior. But remember, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone! Remember, don't hesitate to seek guidance from counselors and administrators. They can offer valuable insights and support in developing and implementing discipline policies. Effective discipline starts with clear communication. Share your expectations with students, listen to their concerns, and be open to refining policies as needed. Remember, no system is perfect. The key is to be proactive in seeking help and documenting your efforts. By working with teachers, counselors, instructional coaches, and administrators, you can address even the toughest discipline challenges and create a positive learning experience for all students.
References
Blandford, S. (2003). Managing Discipline in Schools. Taylor & Francis.
Glasgow, N. A., & Hicks, C. D. (Eds.). (2009). What successful teachers do: 101 research-based classroom strategies for new and veteran teachers. Corwin Press.
Lewis, R. (1999). Teachers coping with the stress of classroom discipline. Social
Psychology of Education, 3, 155–171.
SCRIPT
Hi there! Are you a teacher who is struggling with managing student behavior in the classroom? If so, you're not alone. Classroom management and discipline can be challenging, but the good news is, you don't have to do it alone.
Network with experienced teachers and adjust policies to fit the school's paradigm
Share and enforce classroom rules with students and have them sign and acknowledge the rules
Listen to student concerns and work with them privately
Consult with colleagues, counselors, or administrators for advice and solutions
Prepare a backup plan and be prepared to learn from mistakes
Don't suffer in isolation; build relationships with other professionals on campus
Seek support from colleagues, counselors, or administrators.
seeking support from your colleagues when dealing with discipline issues is crucial in maintaining a positive learning environment for all students.