Teach English in Gedian Zhen - Ezhou Shi

Discipline is the first thing comes to our mind when we talk about classroom management. A classroom without proper discipline makes it difficult for the teacher to concentrate on teaching. If we go by the words of Harry Wong - an educator, educational speaker and author, "In an effective classroom, students should not only know what they are doing, they should know why and how", we can understand that students in the class might get distracted and disordered or cause disruptions unless they are steered in the right direction.Therefore,the role of discipline in a school is to provide a methodical classroom that is conducive to learning. Oxford Dictionary defines Discipline as as “the practice of training people to obey rules and orders and punishing them if they do not; the controlled behavior or situation that results from this training .The school has a reputation for high standards of discipline.” The goal of learning cannot be accomplished without discipline.Thus,the goal of discipline is to ensure each student gains the most from their learning. “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.” If we replace the word army with classroom, the quote by George Washington accurately sums up the significance of discipline in a classroom.Classroom discipline refers to the plans and procedures a teacher practices to manage students’ behavior and attitude in the classroom at the time of teaching. A teacher who uses consistent discipline strategies displays more effective classroom management. According to the book, Building Classroom Discipline: Sixth Edition; there are three types of discipline, (1) preventive, (2) supportive and (3) corrective. Preventive discipline focuses on providing a motivating curriculum which can grab the interest of the students that they focus on their studies thus, diverting them from misbehaving. This involves showing concern and passion to the students and calling attention for student improvements. Supportive discipline assists the misbehaving students with self-control to help them get back on the track. This involves showing interest in the student’s work, providing positive feedback and helping them in some difficulties. Lastly, Corrective discipline includes dealing with the problem directly. However this should neither intimidate the students nor make them uncomfortable. This means one has to stop disruptive behavior, if necessary, speak privately with the misbehaving student, and invoke consequences for the misbehavior. There are a number of ways to ensure discipline in classrooms: 1.Teachers should set the classroom rules at the beginning of the year.Students must know school guidelines for discipline procedures. 2.Teachers should take time to know and understand the students and help the students to work on their social and emotional skills. 3. Teachers should always have a positive attitude. They should act as a role model of appropriate behavior. They should be fair and impartial during clashes. Students should never be humiliated for their misbehavior. 4.Teachers should constantly monitor and listen to the students and provide them with different choices. They should be kept engaged and involved in different tasks. Anything that causes distraction in the classroom must be removed. 5.Teachers should manage time effectively. Student learning materials and modes should be well-organized. As H. Jackson Brown, Jr. said "Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways." We have found that discipline is a way in which learners can line up their body, mind and our soul to follow a proper mandate. Not even a single task can be done properly in the absence of discipline. It is essential to practice discipline in every aspects of life and the process to learn and master discipline starts at school in the classroom.