My Discipline Model - Crucial Relationships

My Discipline Model : Crucial Relationships

Brief, narrative description of model: The discipline model I follow uses strategies that above all else create a safe, welcoming, challenging learning environment for my students. It is designed to build relationships with students to maintain classroom management and ensure that learning can take place – that forward progress is always allowed to continue.I’ve borrowed from the following discipline models to structure my own.

Love and Logic- Since I’ve been teaching, this has been pushed by the district in order to avoid arguments and give the teacher control of her class without demeaning any of the students. I use “tag lines” and avoid mean sarcasm, which takes away the students’ need to feel defensive and promotes a calm atmosphere. Assertive- Students want to know their boundaries and consequences. I have a very short list of rules and consequences posted so that they know my expectations concretely.

Rogerian- Listening is so important in building relationships to maintain a well-disciplined class. If they know that you care, they will be more willing to work hard for you. Not necessarily getting involved, but being an ear to hear troubles lets the student know that they can trust you. Trust is crucial in building relationships.

Preventative- Preventing potential problems is the foundation of any good discipline model. With experience one gains the skills needed to seek out and prevent problems before they happen through extensive planning and organizing and an instinct for avoiding tricky situations.

Overt Teacher Behaviors:
Time to read for fun
Parent phone calls
Listen to music
Games
JagCards
Verbal Recognition
Display student work

Covert Teacher Behavior:
A well-planned seating chart or groups
Eye contact with off-task students
Proximity to students
Calming gestures
Place hand on the pupil's desk or book
Model expected behavior
Point to posted rule
Talk with student after class

Educational Insights: What glimpses, indications, signals, warnings, or advice would you offer to a new teacher based on your experience and your new knowledge gained from this course?

So much of success comes with experience and trial and error. Don’t get discouraged if a discipline model doesn’t work the first time. Keep trying. Know your kids- know their parents. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong and don’t beat yourself up if you can’t reach every student you teach, but keep trying. Watch a students’ body language because you can tell if they are hurting, defensive, excited, etc., and it can help you address their needs.

Strengths:The strengths of my discipline model is that the student will always come first, and the classroom will always be one that is conducive to learning. Students know what to expect, are shown respect, and there are very few surprises.

Limitations:The limitations of my model are that a lot of class time is sometimes take up trying to build rapports and connections with students, which can take away from academia. Students who hate strict rules will balk at this model at first because it leaves no room for students to break rules without consequences.Why do you believe your model will work with students? I think my model works well with students because they see that the teacher is in control of her class, and that this is someone who they trust, and are willing to listen to and learn from.