DIPPING STUDENT-BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
According to Paul Barnwell, teachers and parents who grew up in an age of greater conformity and fear-based authority, the culture of our schools is in dire straits because they believe there is not enough discipline. Not enough respect. In reality, we dole out far more punitive disciplinary measures like suspension. But since it seems like punitive discipline isn't always very effective, shouldn't we consider other options to change behavior and create improved school climates. Does the "policing" mindset in schools align with our goal—or what should be our goal— of keeping all students safe, in classrooms, and learning
To me, it's obvious that there are some serious flaws with the status quo. I also think there are specific actions we can take to cultivate better school climates and behavior. As teachers, I believe we need to set clear boundaries for students in our classrooms and strengthen techniques for engaging them in learning. At the school level, building administrators must introduce policies and programs that emphasize personal growth and responsibility. Be Friendly, But Not a Friend. As a young teacher, I was nearly run out of the profession due to a poorly run school, unruly students, and my own massively inadequate classroom-management skills. Looking back, it's clear I had no idea how to establish authority. I remember wanting to be friends with my students. I remember thinking I already had what it took to maintain classroom order. So this is my first rule of classroom management: You are not your students' friend. Friends help each other out with favors and expect give-and-take. This is not the way things work in the classroom. Do not "friend" students on Facebook or other social-media sites, and do not show favoritism to any single student. Because students are perceptive as to how you react to each and every student in the classroom, they are much less likely to talk back or cause other disruptions if it's clear you are not providing favors or loopholes for any of them. We teachers have all been in situations where some students ask for special treatment. Contrary to the belief of many teachers, most students want an authoritative, caring adult in the classroom, one who has a consistent approach to dealing with all students. That said, it's important to build constructive relationships with students, realize you care about them as people, many of them will instinctively come to your side and not want to disappoint you behaviorally or academically.
--oOo— The author is Teacher III at Magalang Elementary School, Division of Pampanga