1. “Discipline plans are like diet plans.” Can you explain this comparison? According to the Harry Wong text, discipline plans are like diet planes. There are dozens of them, yet most do not work because people are looking for a quick-fix solution that don’t involve changing their lifestyle, eating and exercise plans. there are no fool proof discipline systems that are guaranteed to effortlessly solve all the potential behavior problems in the classroom. Because the current students have diverse skills, languages and needs it is obvious that one plane will not work in all situations.
2. What is the difference between a rule and a procedure? Give examples of each.
Rules are used to define what is acceptable and what is not within a classroom. Rules have negative and positive consequences. For
example, a student must put your hand up if you need to speak or answer. A procedure is a routine that students do repeatedly without
any prompting of supervisions. For example, in my piano lab classes each student enters the classroom, proceeds to their assigned
piano and begins 10-15 minute warm-up routine.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using general rules versus specific rules? Which is better for veteran teachers? Which
is better for new teachers? Why? General rules encompass a wide range of behaviors: Respecting other, Remaining polite and helpful, keep the classroom clean. Advantages of general Rules: they address numerous behavior concepts and expectations in broad terms. Specific rules focus on particular behaviors: Be in class when bell rings, Keep hand, feet and objects to yourself. Do not use offensive language. Advantages of specific rules: they clearly state expectations of student behavior without ambiguity. For new teachers I would definitely suggest using general rules of students behavior. For veteran teachers who have had numerous behavioral experiences with students in
classroom environments I would use general classroom rules combined with specific classroom behavior rules.
4. What are some ways to issue a consequence without interrupting the lesson?
An example of a teacher using a consequence without interrupting a lesson is for the teacher to say. Please do not speak over students who are answering a question or asking a question about academic content.
5. What life lesson can be taught when a person’s chosen action results in negative consequences?
A teacher helps students understand that if they break a classroom rule they are not necessarily being punished. Rather, the effective
teacher has established rules that indicate if a student consciously makes a choice to break the rules then they must accept the negative
consequence of their action.
6. What are some ways to reward students without resorting to snacks like sweet treats?
A specific reward as a reward results in momentary extrinsic motivation. While specific praise as a reward results in intrinsic
motivation.
7. In addition to a discipline plan, what else do teachers need to be successful classroom managers?
Teachers can move from a punitive form of punishment to a supportive cooperative form of punishment. Teachers need to establish
win-win procedures that help to create positive learning environments where students take responsibility for the actions both positive
and negative.
8. Teachers and students can have different levels of responsibility in a discipline plan.
Which type of plan do you believe would be most successful with your teaching style?
In my opinion a collaborative discipline plan where students help create the system of discipline and clearly understand the consequences of their behavior (positive and negative) are the most successful plans.
Which plan would be most successful when the teacher is in charge, when the teacher and students are in charge, when a particular
student or group of students are completely in charge?
The plan that I illuminate in the previous answer is the most effective when the teacher is in charge of the classroom and creating rules
and procedures. I cannot imagine a situation where the teacher should not be in charge of the classroom since they are the adult and
the expert in the classroom.
What are some benefits of each model and what are the drawbacks?
the benefits of a collaborative plan is that since students participate in the creation of the plane they are all in and take full
responsibility fore the plan. The drawbacks are that human nature generally causes adolescents to deny responsibility for their actions.
9. An ineffective teacher creates rules without consequences. How do you think a classroom like this might operate?
This is a classroom that is not organized and does not have an environment of engaging students to fully achieve positive learning
outcomes and reach targeted learning goals.
Source: by Dr. Christopher Chandler | Dean of Genesis University
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Genesis University.