Behavior And Classroom Rules example essay topic

My Philosophy on Classroom Discipline My philosophy regarding the best way to manage a classroom is through a model of ownership and preventative discipline. In order to accomplish this, the teacher needs to set the tone for the class during the first two weeks of school and never veer from it. During this time, the students will be made aware of my classroom rules as well as what I expect out of each of them on a daily basis. This will create an open atmosphere in which all members of the classroom are aware of their rights and responsibilities. When a child is given the responsibility to make his own decisions, he may not be ready to do it in an appropriate manner. A young adult (age 15-18), on the other hand, is much more willing and able to accept responsibility for himself.

In other words, a young child generally needs more structure and guidance whereas a young adult yearns for the opportunity to be treated as an adult. It is very important for my classroom to be a place where individuals are comfortable expressing themselves verbally. I will make it clear to my students that the quality of their learning experience rests primarily on their shoulders. They will be responsible for reading the material, studying it, and synthesizing it regularly.

My goal is to make my students want to do the work so that they can be involved in class discussions. I have no problem with trying to actively involve a student who is not participating. If he is not prepared, I will not make a big deal about it. That only serves to embarrass him.

If this happens regularly, I will speak with the individual alone after class. The ideal classroom would involve a teacher who sits back and allows the class to teach and discipline it. This is not really the case. I, as the teacher, will try to manipulate class discussion in the same way that I persuade them to insist upon a mutual respect rule. Discipline will come in a similarly understated way. I believe wholeheartedly in the simple stare or proximity approaches.

These do not interrupt the momentum of discussion. As far as ownership is concerned, discipline comes in the form of its removal. As I give the class responsibility, I am similarly able to take it away... My students should consider it a privilege as well as a responsibility to be treated as adults. As such, it is something that can be taken away if it is abused. I feel that the classroom rules need to be fair and enforced uniformly.

In my class there will only be a few simple rules, including being respectful to me and all others in the class, being prepared and on time to class every day, and not cheating. There will be no 'favorites' in my class in terms of obeying the rules. The rules will be enforced promptly, consistently, and equitably from day one. Students will be made aware of the consequences of misbehavior. My goal in doing this is to earn the respect of my students and let them know that I am teaching because of my love of learning and not in order to hold grudges against particular students. In addition, during these first two weeks I will also explain and demonstrate common classroom procedures such as turning in homework and passing out papers.

This will alleviate much wasted time in the classroom and will again reinforce to the students what I expect of them in the classroom. In addition to laying out the groundwork for classroom expectations during the first part of the school year, as a teacher I must follow up by practicing what I preach on a daily basis. While there are many ways to do this I plan to begin by basing my management philosophy around five core goals. 1.

I will come to school everyday prepared to teach every student in all of my classes. 2. I will start class on time everyday and show a genuine enthusiasm for teaching. 3.

In my classroom, I will not tolerate any students picking on or belittling any other students. 4. I will not argue with students in front of the class. 5.

I will discipline all students fairly with an emphasis on identifying and solving the problem. These statements will shape my behavior as well as provide a positive frame of mind to begin each day with. When discipline problems arise, and they inevitably will, it's important to intervene quickly so as not to allow behavior and classroom rules to go unchecked. Students need to be reminded that behavior problems are a self-control skill.

With that, they need to be taught to observe their own behavior and choose appropriate behavior patterns to put them back on the path to success. If punishments are to be levied, they must be reasonable. The infraction committed should be taken into account and an appropriate corrective measure implemented. Student's should be guided and supported as they attempt to improve their behavior. I would follow through with the misbehaving students to develop a behavioral modification contract. Follow through with the parents will also increase the effectiveness of the directives and agreements made between the student and school officials.

In closing, I understand that in order to have a positive learning environment you first need to have a well run classroom. This type of classroom provides an atmosphere, which is safe for self-expression and the unencumbered sharing of ideas. It also provides a structure in which everyone understands both his or her rights and responsibilities. By implementing the above philosophy it is my sincere intent to have a smooth entry into the world of classroom teaching.