Teacher Discussion Forums

I have dedicated the next few weeks before I start teaching middle school, to understanding "classroom management." I used to believe that classroom management was something for old school masters who rule with heavy hand and are deaf to criticism. I have since learned that it is necessary to have some kind of order or rules in the classroom.

My research is leading me to "judicious discipline."

judicious... 1. having or exercising sound judgment... 2.directed or governed by sound usu. dispassionate judgment: characterized by discretion... syn. see wise-- Webster's Third New International Dictionary

discipline... 1. a branch of knowledge or learning 2. training that develops self-control, character, or orderliness and efficiency... 3. self-control or orderly conduct... 4. a system of rules... 5. treatment that corrects...-- Webster's New World Dictionary

I plan to continue my research in this direction and apply the ideas behind judicious discipline when I start work soon. I believe this is a worthwhile endeavor but I wanted a second opinion.

What appeals to me about this approach is that it does not give specific "do this and this will happen" instructions. It is believable since it doesn't offer the magic solution and recognizes that management is an ongoing process which however can become second nature once it has been practiced well.

Although I teach adults and therefore don't have the same kinds of discipline problems that you can find in secondary schools, I appreciate your comments. I can tell you from the perspective of my kids, that they never minded a teacher who had rules that made sense, and who followed them fairly. Most of their complaints were about teachers who had rules for the sake of rules, even if they didn't make sense, and those who played favorites, or made a rule and then didn't follow it.

It might help to look up some ideas about teaching kids who have Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Disorder HADD or ADD. The more you know about the students that you teach, the less you have to manage them and the more you work with them to promote their inner discipline. It is true that it is good to be a model for them and as a human being you need to have your own comfort level as well. I found a teacher's book called "Be Nice and Work Hard" quite an inspiration. I usually start the year by discussing rules that the students want to have in their classroom and posting these to be amended or added to during the year. They can decide on measures to promote adherence too but I usually find that they are much more strict that I would be and am often uncomfortable in carrying out their measures so I often leave out that part and just talk with individual students who need more help in learning to work in a group.