Teach English in Powell River - TEFL Courses

My Philosophy of Discipline Discipline is important in the classroom. It fosters a positive learning environment, self motivation, and the potential for learning. Most people would define discipline as punishment or control; however, Webster's defines discipline as training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. At the core of our learning processes and school systems, is that not what we are attempting? Discipline, by this definition, is so much more than a system in a classroom. It expands to world after and provides its carrier with tools to become a responsible and successful person. My Theory of Discipline I believe that to have an effective system of discipline you must develop relationships. By developing relationships with the students and creating a sense of community, you give them a sense of control. The students also learn to problem solve and develop empathy with one another. When you add positivity to the equation, making sure that the atmosphere is encouraging and understanding, the students will develop self confidence and determination. It also builds their trust in you. And trust brings us to the honesty and respect components. If a teacher is always honest with the students, not critical but honest, they will learn he or she is someone that can be depended on, someone that has their best interest at heart. Their faith with develop their respect. Students that have faith in and respect their teacher will be willing to do anything for them. However, when they aren't the body language comes into play. When the atmosphere is positive and the student respect the teacher, a little bit of authoritative body language will more than likely be all that is needed to regain control. My Professional Demeanor The teacher should always be the professional in the room. It is important to dress appropriately. A teacher must think about the functionality of the clothing. If she is going to be playing on the floor with kindergarteners, a skirt may not be appropriate. It is also important not to show too much skin. Keep it simple. It is important to be ethical and to be safe when it comes to legal issues. Simple actions like always leaving the door open and making sure you are never alone with a student where no one can see are key procedures. Always keep yourself accountable by letting other teachers know where you are and what you are doing. Also a teacher should keep their personal life personal. Specifics of Discipline 1. Desired Behavior : Students should be respectful and courteous to others. They should take into consideration how their actions make others feel, following the golden rule. I am not really that concerned with the students always being their seats and quiet. As long as what they are doing is productive and encourages learning, I will most likely allow it. 2. Rules of Behavior – class rules (in powerpoint) 3. Support of Proper Behavior I do believe in rewarding the students. Whether it is something as simple as a sticker on the paper to prizes they can earn from accumulating points, they seem to be effective. I think positive reinforcement is an important way to show the student what behaviors are appropriate and to encourage the behavior. 4. Intervention when Misbehavior Occurs My intervention for misbehavior will start with using body language to try and get the behavior under control. If for some reason my walking over to the student or placing myself in between two talking students fails to work, I will begin assigning consequences for the bad behavior. 5. Communication with Students Student should feel like they can communicate with the teacher. It is important that they know their thoughts are valued. I like the idea of having classroom meetings once a week or so to talk to the students about the classroom and what they like or dislike. I also want to have a doll or stuffed animal set aside in the room that they can go talk to when they need to tell on someone (ex: Drama Lama). If the student can talk out a problem instead of bottling it up, it has a less likely chance of becoming a behavior issue. Resources: 1. Clark, Ron. The Essential 55. 1st. New York: Hyperion, 2003. Print. 2. Jones, Fred. Tools for Teaching. 2nd. Santa Cruz: Fredric H. Jones & Associates, Inc, 2007. Print.