| Assessment, planning and classroom management. Three huge topics over a period of three weeks. At the end of each of these shows, it has felt like we need to talk about them more. This show was no exception. Tamlyn joined me for this show. She has taught in a variety of different settings and had to use different management techniques in every situation. | |
We spent most of our time discussing discipline. Towards the end of the show, Tamlyn summarised her thoughts about discipline into 3 main points.
They were:1. Be consistent
2. Have high expectations of your learners and yourself
3. Always bring your "A" game to class.
We kept coming back to the point that if the teacher is not prepared, or does not have adequate content knowledge, they will struggle to keep control of the class. Thinking back on all of my worst lessons, I can say that this has always been the common thread in them. It took me quite a while to realise the importance of being properly prepared. Once I started doing a lot more prep, I didn't struggle as much with control as I had in the past.
Let's take a look at Tamlyn's slides.
2. Have high expectations of your learners and yourself
3. Always bring your "A" game to class.
We kept coming back to the point that if the teacher is not prepared, or does not have adequate content knowledge, they will struggle to keep control of the class. Thinking back on all of my worst lessons, I can say that this has always been the common thread in them. It took me quite a while to realise the importance of being properly prepared. Once I started doing a lot more prep, I didn't struggle as much with control as I had in the past.
Let's take a look at Tamlyn's slides.
Discipline - why is it important?
- Lack of classroom discipline results in academic chaos, low student performance and teacher exhaustion and frustration
- Effective discipline is important for maintaining a positive atmosphere in the classroom and supporting students’ learning.
- Teaching strategies that support positive behaviours begin by making expectations clear, teaching children how to meet them and reinforcing children’s appropriate behaviour.
- To have discipline in a classroom is to provide the essential structure and boundaries necessary in which all parties can function optimally.
Discipline - things we should know.
- Every teacher is responsible for discipline and has the full authority and responsibility to correct the behaviour of learners whenever such correction is necessary.
- Any corrective measure or disciplinary action will correspond with and be appropriate to the offence. (www.education.gov.za)
- All learners must abide by the discipline system that has been developed to assist and guide learner behaviour in the School.
- Important that as a teacher you clearly understand the schools general policy on discipline as well as what your personal expectations are from your pupils regarding their discipline.
- Essential that consistent discipline is carried out throughout the school in the various classrooms as well as carried out consistently in your own classroom.
Discipline - strategies.
- Discipline does not have to be punitive – create a positive environment.
- Clearly establish strong boundaries and expectations from the outset.
- Respect.
- Consistency.
- Teachers must model the behaviour they expect from their learners.
- Teachers must be confident in their subject knowledge and must always be well prepared.
- Teachers must know the disciplinary measures they will take in a situation, even before the situation occurs.
Learning barriers
Extrinsic Barriers – outside of the learner.
Extrinsic Barriers – outside of the learner.
- Socio-economic barriers (crime, poverty, hunger)
- Factors of upbringing (overprotective vs disengaged parents)
- School factors (inflexible curriculum, resources, crowded classrooms, language of teaching and learning, discrimination, bullying)
- Sensory impairments (Auditory, visual)
- Physical impairments (arthritis, epilepsy, motor-neuron disabilities, diabetes)
- Intellectual impairments (Autism, ADHD)
In preparing for this show, I found one quote that really spoke to me. This document was titled 'Alternatives to Corporal Punishment'.
Hurting children does not work well in changing behavior permanently because it does not change the child’s underlying attitudes and values. The child does not learn self- control, only permissiveness, how to respond to the control of others, or how to lie and hide what they are doing so as to avoid punishment
As I mentioned on the show, I have a daughter. I don't want her to learn how to lie to avoid punishment. I want her to change her attitudes and values so that she doesn't behave in a way that is unacceptable to begin with. Surely this is the point of discipline? Not to control behaviour, but to change it? Let me know your thoughts.
Our next show will be streamed on 22 July, so it's a bit of a break until then. It's school holidays for many of you and I hope that you have a relaxing time. Do a little bit of prep every day and you won't feel overwhelmed at the beginning of next term.
Until next time, happy teaching!
Our next show will be streamed on 22 July, so it's a bit of a break until then. It's school holidays for many of you and I hope that you have a relaxing time. Do a little bit of prep every day and you won't feel overwhelmed at the beginning of next term.
Until next time, happy teaching!