Many of us in the teaching profession see Discipline and Punishment as much the same. Unfortunately we are way off the mark.

 

The Punishment Cycle is all about

- us exerting our external pressure to “make” students adhere to expectations; they are co-managed

- the focus is primarily on students being compliant

- there is little trust or faith in students meeting expectations themselves from within

- making the use of building relationships to enhance learning and teaching extremely difficult

- often creating an atmosphere of both concealed and overt anger

 

The power plays that punishment creates, often give rise to more defiant attitudes and behaviours and lead to lose - lose situations for both students and teachers. Overpowering anyone is not a long term sustainable practice; empowerment is much more preferable.

 

The Discipline Cycle is all about 

- students meeting expectations intrinsically from within; self managed and self accountable

- students having a choice; they are empowered that it is up to them to do the right thing

- there is a hierarchy of consequences for them not meeting expectations 

- also there is a hierarchy of rewards for them meeting expectations

- working together for a shared purpose is the goal

- nurturing relationships, people first, students and teachers second

 

It is essential for us to instil a team approach with our students 

- promoting a sense of belonging and a feeling of self worth

- creating an enjoyable and fun atmosphere

- being empowered to be yourself and being valued for that

 

We cannot underestimate how powerful our influence is in role modelling for our students. They watch us very carefully; the vast majority of their behaviours have been learned by watching adults.

Therefore, we have to walk the talk

- showing a genuine willingness and preparedness to learn together 

- we must be consistent and readable for them to feel relaxed and happy

 

If our classes behave in an inappropriate manner that forces us in the short term to adopt a punishment mentality, then so be it; there has to be consequences 

- it is important they are aware of the consequences beforehand

- seek advice and assistance from senior colleagues to address the situation; they often have helpful strategies and sharing our problems is a sign of strength

- punishment is not sustainable; the class must get back to the discipline cycle

 

In class use “us” with students rather than “you”

- ask our students how they feel about things; remember the school was built for them, not us

- negotiate class expectations/agreements; opting out is not on for either students or ourselves

- never forget what it was like to be a student having to adapt to varying teaching styles and expectations

 

What comes from within is so much better than others making us do things; it is all about choice

- we must encourage and empower our students to be self managed; the ability to make good choices in what they do

- students who require assistance in making good choices, co-managed, must be continually reminded that they can meet expectations from within; our persistence in this area is essential

 

“ An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep” Anon