Teachers play various roles in a typical classroom, but surely one of the most important is that of classroom manager. Effective teaching and learning cannot take place in a poorly managed classroom. If students are disorderly and disrespectful, and no apparent rules and procedures guide behavior, chaos becomes the norm. In these situations, both teachers and students suffer.
Classroom Management- Feb./March 2009
The Difference Between Discipline and Procedures
Classroom management should not be equated with discipline. Discipline is a very small part of classroom management. Procedures are not found in a discipline plan; nor should a procedure be a threat, a rule, or an order. A procedure is simply a method or process for getting things done in the classroom.
Procedures and routines are different from a discipline plan. Do not confuse procedures with discipline. There are two major differences. DISCIPLINE concerns how students BEHAVE. PROCEDURES concern how things ARE DONE. DISCIPLINE HAS consequences and rewards. PROCEDURES HAVE NO consequences or rewards.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT deals with how things are done.
DISCIPLINE deals with how people behave.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT has to do with procedures, routines, and structure.
DISCIPLINE is about impulse management and self-control.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT is the teacher's responsibility.
DISCIPLINE is the student's responsibility.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT is enhanced when procedures are: 1. explained to students, 2. practiced by students, and periodically (when necessary) 3. reinforced by practicing again.
When procedures are learned, routines are established.
Routines give structure to instruction.
Good classroom management is essential for efficient teaching and learning. Chances are that when you walk into a room, you do not pay much attention to the floor. But if it were