Classroom Discipline Tips

Here are a few Classroom Discipline Tips.

• Hard then Soft. Start by being strict and then get more relaxed once the term progresses. It's almost impossible to go the other way round.
  
• Be Fair. Treat all students equally so if your best students does something wrong they get punished just as anyone else would.
  
• Each Lesson is New. Never bring over grudges or problems from previous lessons. Wipe the slate clean for each lesson.
  
• Keep Confrontation Out. If there's a growing confrontation between you and a student don't let it erupt in class or you could lose face. Say something like "we'll talk about this after the lesson" and then deal with it later.
  
• One Student at a Time. Don't try to take on the whole class if there's a big problem. Deal with one student at a time rather than the whole class or a group.
  
• Don't Bluff/Be Consistent. Never go back on a threat if you're called; always follow through with a punishment otherwise you will be taken advantage of. In other words, if you say you are going to do something then do it.
  
• Use Humour. If you are that kind of teacher, use a little humour to close disruptions down (but be careful with sarcasm, some cultures don't understand it).
  
• Overplan. Make sure you have more than enough material for your lesson and everything is planned. Having to stop a lesson while you think of what to do next invites disruption and talking amongst students.
  
• Be Understandable when Giving Instructions. Make sure your instructions are clear, simple and to the point. A lot of classroom problems arise when students don't understand what they are supposed to be doing.