Classroom Management

I have observed my mentor using this style of classroom

management. It is a method of behaviour management pioneered by Lee

and Marlene Cantor. The goal of assertive discipline is to teach

students to choose responsible behaviour and in so doing raise their

self-esteem. This in turn should lead to an increase in their academic

success.

Having a good classroom environment in which to teach gives the pupil

the best possible chance of learning effectively.

A basic principle of assertive discipline is that pupils need to know

your behavioural expectations. They must be given limits and the

teacher must be consistent in his / her approach at all times.

Pupils need positive recognition and support as well as discipline so

that they are motivated to behave well. It is very easy to criticise a

pupil for being badly behaved but most teachers fail to comment on

good, appropriate behaviour.

The teacher who uses assertive discipline effectively has a classroom

plan, which she shares with pupils so that they are clear about the

consequences of their actions.

The teacher will have a list of classroom rules on display and will

remind the pupils what they are at the start of the lesson. (Appendix

1) The rules in Mrs. Ward's class are:

1.Follow directions first time given.

2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

3. No swearing, teasing, name-calling or put-downs.

4. Do not interrupt when someone else is speaking.

The consequences of choosing to ignore these rules are:

First time a rule is broken: Warning

Second time: Wait outside the classroom for 1 minute

Third time: Wait outside the classroom for 2 minutes

Fourth time: Phone call to parents

Fifth time: Sent to head teacher

The classroom discipline consists of three main parts:

1. Rules that pupils must follow at all times.

2. Positive recognition that pupils will receive for following the

rules.

3. Consequences that result when pupils choose not to follow the

rules.

Watching a teacher apply assertive discipline is a very positive

experience. The atmosphere of the whole room is calm, the lesson has

continuity and all pupils are able to make a positive contribution.

A. Biggs Learning Support Assistant Course - Advanced

Non-assertive discipline

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I have also been in lessons where the teacher's response to pupils has

had a negative effect