TeachingEnglish
Strict
Submitted by Chris Trickett on 29 April, 2008 - 13:34
While I know all teachers are different, and that there is no right way, I am occasionally told that it isn't a good idea to be too democratic with students. I tend towards a very fair approach which involves a lot of giving students freedom. And only a few times in my career have I had problems with my students' discispline. To my mind, shouting etc sets a precedent it can be difficult to break. I find the best way to get students making constructive and inspired contributions to the lessons is to inspire them, have faith in them, trust them. It wouldn't always work, but it's the way I work and I'm in no hurry to change.
So how do you go about maintaining classroom order?
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While I know all teachers are different, and that there is no right way, I am occasionally told that it isn't a good idea to be too democratic with students. I tend towards a very fair approach which involves a lot of giving students freedom. And only a few times in my career have I had problems with my students' discispline. To my mind, shouting etc sets a precedent it can be difficult to break. I find the best way to get students making constructive and inspired contributions to the lessons is to inspire them, have faith in them, trust them. It wouldn't always work, but it's the way I work and I'm in no hurry to change.
So how do you go about maintaining classroom order?
You're right that shouting regularly is a very bad idea - but that is not the same thing as being strict. You can give your students a lot of creative freedom and let them take charge of their own learning and also be strict at the same time - e.g. don't allow laziness or bullying or bad language, require that students are punctual and complete homework on time to a good standard.
It probably is a bad idea to be 'too' democratic (and relinquish all control) but it's also bad to be 'too' strict. In fact 'too' anything should be avoided! The trick is in judging when to allow freedom and when to enforce authority, and it sounds as if you are happy with the balance you have struck, so don't fight it!
You are absolutely right when you say that shouting at students really damages your reputation. As far as discipline is concerned, each teacher has got his own way of handling the class. Right from the first session, you need to set the norm, which the whole class needs to follow. You should be very clear and firm about the kind of atmosphere that you want to be created in the class. You can also be frank about your methodology and style of delivery so that it does not come as a rude shock or surprise for them.
This system has really worked wonders for me purely because I make my stand very clear before I start my session. I also entertain any queries or clarification raised by students so that either party is aware of what is expected and there is no room for misunderstanding.