Be an Educator, Not a Dictator

Discipline… a frightening word that can almost be associated with playing with a bolt of lightning for teachers. Discipline is not about getting learners to do what you want them to do. You are an educator, not a dictator. Discipline is providing an environment in which positive teaching and positive learning can occur simultaneously. Discipline is not control from the outside – it’s order from within. Easier said than done, right?

As we head into the third week back at school, some teachers might feel that they are losing their minds as we speak. Gone are the days where a few smacks did the trick and the burning tears on cheeks matched the burning bum sensation. Teachers are not allowed to use any physical form of discipline in the classroom and they are of course not allowed to swear or bring any form of alcohol onto school premises. So how do they do it? How do teachers these days maintain discipline in their classroom without compromising their sanity? These following seven survival tips might just do the trick!

1. Get students focused before every lesson. Be sure you have their attention before you begin. Don’t try to talk over students; you’ll be initiating a competition to see who can speak louder and also let them know it’s okay to talk while you are talking. Plus, we all know if there is a competition initiated it is guaranteed that your Mr/Ms Hyde personality will make an appearance.
2. Use positive presence.Don’t park yourself in the front of the classroom like a South African HiAce. Move around the room continuously, and get in and around your learners. Make frequent eye contact, and smile not necessarily AT learners, but WITH them. Monitor learners with your physical presence.
3. Model the behaviour you want students to exude.If you portray respectfulness, trust, enthusiasm, interest, and courtesy in your everyday-dealings with learners, they will kindly return the favour. Remember the saying, “Values are caught, not taught” and to “Give respect, earns you respect.”
4. Have no more than FIVE rules for your classroom. Rather have a shortlist of rules that will guide behaviour in a variety of situations. You are going to completely and utterly exhaust yourself trying to spell out a rule for every scenario. Plus, let’s be very honest – learners are not really prone to even bothering to remember anything more than five rule that is being laid out on the table.
5. Post the rules. Whether you make flashcards for each learner, hang a poster up or write it in blood on the walls, make sure the rules are visible for all to see every single day. Although it might take a bit of admin, also make sure you email a set of rules to every learner’s parents. The more you make it clear, the less parents and learners will push back the day you actually have to enforce some consequences.
6. Stick by your guns! Ensure that you don’t hand out too many warning before action is taken. Lots of warnings come across as a weakness and that learners can take chances with a teacher since they are reluctant to actually enforce a rule with the necessary consequences.
7. Be fair and impartial. Once you have laid down the rules, remember that they count for ALL students – tall, short, freckled, gifted, special needs, overachievers, rebels and teacher’s pets. Just because little Billy carries your files in the mornings and Suzy’s mom bakes you some amazing pastries, it doesn’t mean that they are by any means exempted from rules and consequences.

When you have discipline and classroom management under control, you can be sure that you will survive longer than a term without you feeling like you are going to completely lose your mind. Just like charity, discipline begins with yourself and your own perception of what is acceptable and what is not. Learners will always try and push the boundaries to see how far they can succeed in driving you to the edge. Although you always have to be forthcoming and welcoming, make sure all learners know that you are not their friend, but a strong figure of authority away from home.

“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.” – George Washington