Classroom+Management

Tips for Effective Classroom Discipline

Probably the biggest fear student teachers face is how they will deal with classroom discipline. Most fret over how to work with disruptive students and how to keep classes under control. While every art class will have its own set of rules and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for dealing with discipline issues, there are a few guidelines that help when resolving discipline problems.

Some key points to keep in mind when dealing with classroom disruptions are:

1. Remain calm, be in control, and use a conversational tone of voice; 2. Never offer opportunities for argument by asking questions that could prompt inappropriate answers; 3. Set limits and explain choices in clear, positive language; 4. Be reasonable, consistent, and positive; 5. Remind, reinforce, and redirect; 6. Follow through with realistic and enforceable consequences; and 7. Have a few phrases in your bag of tricks that can give you the edge in difficult situations.

Some Scenarios

I. Consider that you are introducing a clay lesson to fifth graders. The entire class is excited to start and this excitement is shown by the way they enter the classroom. Everyone is talking and they begin to play with the tools that have been arranged on tables. Using the suggested guidelines, two appropriate responses would be:

“As soon as everyone shows me that they are ready to listen, we will be able to begin making clay whistles.” (Calm, in control, no room to argue, positive)

“Tell me about the rules for entering the classroom. (Remind) Why are these rules important? (Reinforce) Can you follow these rules and show me that you are ready to begin the lesson?” (Redirect)

II. Consider now that one child is disrespectful and uses an inappropriate tone of voice. To diffuse this sort of problem, remain

Behavior Management Articles http://www.teachervision.fen.com/classroom-discipline/resource/5806.html

Susi, Frank (1995). Student Behavior in Art Classrooms: The Dynamics of Discipline. ISBN#0-937652-75-X