How to handle classroom discipline

Posted by teacher on December 16, 2010

The answer will vary at large as it depends on teaching style, grade interviewing for, and past experiences. However a teacher should draw out a plan and try to implement it if discipline is an important part of the position. Coaching clients fail to provide a clear action plan that can be backed up with examples. Also it is important to find out what is the philosophy of the school or district, this will give you some additional information.

You will want to get an example of your plan; use a real situation to show your expertise in this very important area. Whether you use the red light/green light, time-outs, or removing the student from the classroom, it is important that you can back up why it is effective and use examples. You will want to explain why you feel the discipline action is effective and why you enjoy using it.

It is important to develop ground rules the first week of class, this allows the students to understand what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.

These rules are discussed and agreed upon with the students, this makes the students accountability and responsible. You may want to touch on your philosophy of classroom discipline. This of course would depend on your style; you will have to be honest with yourself. But you may believe that you reduce negative behavior by offering the students a intellectually stimulating, organized, and respectful environment.

It is also important to indicate there are always two sides to every story, so if the action involves discipline of two students, you must listen to both sides. Make sure that you try to get the students to resolve their own disagreements, which may involve compromise. And resolve the problem by asking yourself, “How will you handle the situation next time?”