I have been reading a lot of research on different strategies to deal with behavior especially in a classroom setting. I have read more than I want of very contradictory concepts. I have read the only way to go is fire and brimstone – one step out of line and BAM! Consequence (Discipline 101, Craig Seganti). I have read that if you only focus on rewards for positive behavior, you will only have positive behaviors(PBS model from Special School Districts). I have also read that consequences and rewards are both awful and you should only strive for intrinsic motivation (Alfie Kohn, Marvin Marshall).
Each concept makes so much sense as you read them, but as a teacher desperate to gain some sanity each day, I don’t know what information to use. The school I teach uses PBS, and so far giving rewards is only leading to bad behavior when there isn’t a teacher around to give a reward. the district still has punishment guidelines, but once a student realizes that when he punches another kid, he gets to stay home the next day, he winds up hitting kids every time he comes back to school. So now I am left with not giving punishments or rewards. I don’t know how to start. How do you teach the kids to be intrinsically motivated?
How do you manage your classroom behavior?
Punishment only?
Rewards only?
Punishments and rewards?
Neither?
#1 by viv on April 15th, 2011
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I think it is important to use both punishment and rewards, or as you say, the students will come to expect rewards and only behave well when they are on offer.
I try to use a combination of tactics, rewards, talking, lunchtime detentions, and one that seems to have good success is communication with parents. Do this early before the behaviour deteriorates drastically and it is very effective.
Also, if a student is misbehaving, there maybe underlying problems that may need to be addressed. Is everything okay at home etc? In this case, the student may need to be referred for counselling.
As for the student hitting kids and then staying home – next time it happens, rather than sending him home for a day, have him sit out of class in an area where there will be minimal contact with other students. If he needs to go to the bathroom he goes at times when other students are in class. It is much more effective than sending students home for a day, especially if that is what they want.
Obviously there will be situations where you do not have a choice but to send a student home, but I would try the at-school approach if you can.
Good luck.
(I have been a teacher for 10 years).
#2 by Mama to 2006 & 2008 on April 15th, 2011
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One of the best teacher training inservice programs I ever attended was Rick Morris’ New Management http://www.newmanagement.com/ he’s all about procedures for how to do things to organize you (and the children) so that you can teach instead of discipline. Check out the “Classroom Tips” section for practical real ideas from teachers.
#3 by bkk on April 15th, 2011
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First thing I do is warn them what will happen if they step out of line. The first one that does I shoot. The others then seem to behave.