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Instilling discipline and disciplinary action in the classroom

This article is about instilling discipline and disciplinary action in the classroom. For a definition of discipline and the causes of indiscipline visit the link below:

Definition of descipline and the causes of indiscipline

Classroom Rules

In a previous article I defined discipline as a code of conduct that both teachers and students agree upon and cooperate in its enforcement. As I said I insist on cooperation and agreement in classroom management because when  the rules are set by all learning and teaching participants, it will be hard for them to deny or refuse disciplinary action in case of any transgression of the rules.

How to instill discipline in classrooms?

  • Agree on the rules
    You and your students should agree on the rules that everybody should abide by. No student would consider coming late for school as a proper conduct. So, start a list of proper classroom conduct.
  • Clear rules and regulations:
    Once the rules and regulations are set, state them clearly. They should stipulates what is expected from students and what is not-  The dos and the donts.
  • Updating and reviewing.
    Novel instances of indiscipline may occur. That is why the rules and regulations may undergo updates or reviews from time to time.
  • Discrimination
    There should be no discrimination in enforcing rules and regulations. Disciplinary action in a classroom should be applicable to every defaulter. Whatever applies to one student when he defaults should also be applicable to another.
  • Appropriate atmosphere
    Things that will prevent students from getting involved in discipline should be discouraged and prevented.
  • Communication
    There should be proper communication of the rules concerning discipline in the classroom.
  • Disciplinary action
    Disciplinary actions should be in such a way that defaulters will not want to be disciplined a second time after defaulting for a first time.

Disciplinary action

What are the consequences for breaking the rules?

  • Oral warning;
    When an offense is not that serious or when an offender is a first offender, he can be given oral warning. This should be done in a quiet area in the classroom or just outside the door as to not embarrass the child.
  • Actions:
    When the offense persist, one of the following actions follow: time out, detention, notice to parent.
  • Informing parents:
    If the same offender persist again with his disruptive behavior, parents are informed of previous inappropriate behaviors and the student is warned that if the indiscipline continues, a behavior plan will be in place.
  • Suspension:
    If an offense is strong,  the student may be suspended for a day or two and more action should follow. The offender should be refered to a board specialist, a behavior specialist and parent conference is called.

Disciplinary action is always carried out in sequence. It should also be favorable that disciplinary actions be undertaken in such a way that offenders are discouraged to repeat or commit another disruptive behavior.


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