Topic > Discipline and Management - 488

Discipline and management are often interchanged in the field of education, although they are distinctly different and should be treated as separate entities. Classroom management is the teacher's responsibility and discipline is the student's responsibility. Conduct and misbehavior are also terms that get confused. Classroom management, discipline, behavior and misbehavior are important aspects of every classroom. To have a well-organized classroom, the need to define and understand these terminologies becomes imperative. Classroom management describes the process of ensuring that classroom lessons run smoothly. It is the basis for the class. If built well, there is room for growth and progress, as well as penalties for non-compliance. Without good classroom management, learning is inefficient and the teacher becomes stressed. A stressed teacher leads to undisciplined students, and this is where discipline comes in. The discipline is that “the enforcement of order – that is, ensuring that instructions are carried out – is often regulated through punishment.” (Discipline, 2011) Teaching children to behave appropriately in different circumstances is discipline, this is done with punishment or loss of privileges. Discipline is necessary to have a harmonious classroom. “Classroom management is about how things are done. Discipline is about how people behave.” (Marshall, 2011) The most important thing in classroom management is control. A teacher must be in control to be successful. When a teacher loses control, students become bored, disinterested, and restless, which often causes behavioral problems. Avoid bad behavior by establishing classroom rules at the beginning of the year. These guidelines let students know the teacher's expectations of them and the consequences of not following the rules. Never continue education when rules are broken, this causes total loss of control, leading to behavioral problems. Normal or "good" behavior, usually determined by whether it is socially, culturally, and developmentally appropriate. Misbehavior means any improper behavior. Teaching self-control skills is one of the most important things teachers can do for students because these are the most important skills for success later in life. There are many different causes behind bad behavior, but a well-managed classroom has consequences to avoid interrupting learning time. Children try to please the teacher, with rules in place and often reinforced, students will live up to the expectations of the class and their peers. This creates the ideal learning environment for all students. “Something in human nature makes us start to slow down at the moment of greatest realization. When you become successful, you will need a lot of self-discipline so as not to lose your sense of balance, humility and commitment.