My classroom experiences were very necessary and enlightening. I have an
extensive history in the area of discipline.  I have relied on the strength of my
personality along with many methods of training that I received throughout the
years. My philosophy is ingrained in the fact that each child is different and
one must be able to pull from a variety of disciplinary techniques, along with
personal strength in order to find what works best in a given situation. I also
believe that a well structured, but friendly classroom setting is crucial in
behavior management. I have observed the behavior of student that are
placed in a in a warm, clean, and well structured classroom where teachers
carried themselves in a professional manner as opposed to those that are
place in untidy, gloomy classrooms where teachers are a bit more relaxed in
their professionalism. Students in the well-structured environment were more
respectful and stayed on task much longer than the opposite. Because, of the
personality influence that many students are challenged with it is very hard for
them to function or discipline themselves without some form of a well-designed
structure. As a teacher I must provide that structure and be able to provide
situational assistance when deemed necessary.
Chapter 1 of “Building Classroom Discipline: The Problem and the Solution”,
written by C. M. Charles was very engaging and thought provoking. It covered
many areas of concerns that teachers are faced with on a daily bases such as;
“How should students behave?”, “What is appropriate behavior and
misbehavior?” And, “What role does communication play in discipline?” By
reviewing the many theories and suggestions of various behavior specialists
and participating in open discussions proved to be very helpful in finding
possible solutions that would fit with my style and personality. When presented
with questions such as; “Does teaching method affect behavior?”; “Does the
physical environment affect behavior?” and, “How can you help students work
together productively?” From my personal experiences and extensive training,
I found that a combination of  behavior specialists should be considered, for
example; I found that Glasser’s suggestions; “Non-coercive Discipline (reality)”,
along with Churchward; “Honor Level System of Discipline”, may work best for
me based on my personally and the student body that I am familiar with.
Understanding the 5 principles in building classroom management, presenting
and conduct yourself in a professional manner, along with clarity on how you
want your students to behave now and in the future will establish classroom
conditions that help students become the kind of people that will be equipped
and ready to face the challenges in life.  Do all that you can to help students
conduct themselves in a acceptable manner and intervene in a helpful manner
when misbehavior occurs, was more of a reminder to me of how important and
crucial it is to not just know, but also practice these skills.
My studies also introduced me to Dr. William Glasser and his theory and
suggestions for discipline. From Glasser, I have learned that people are driven
by six basic needs. All of our choices and behaviors are based upon the
urgency for SURVIVAL, POWER, LOVE, BELONGING, FREEDOM, and FUN.
Knowing and understanding this better has really helped me to cope with
situation better not only in school but also in my personal life. To know and
except the fact that the only person whose behavior we can control is our own
and that all that we can give another person is information is a very profound
way of managing behavioral problems.
Glasser goes on to address relationships and our habits. He says that there
are seven caring habits; Supporting, Encouraging, Listening, Accepting,
Trusting, Respecting, and Negotiating differences and there are also seven
deadly habits; Criticizing, Blaming, Complaining, Nagging, Threatening,
Punishing, and Bribing or rewarding to control. Learning about Glasser’s
behavioral suggestions or theory is an area that I related to the most, and the
assigned book “Building Classroom Discipline” by C. M. Charles was a very
excellent choice of our instructor, Ms. Mosher H. Sheridan. I will continue to
use this book as a form of reference throughout my teaching career. The book’
s glossary in itself is an excellent reference. I found many of the behavioral
suggestions from the various philosophers highlighted in this book, such as;
Richard Curwin & Allen Mendler; Discipline with Dignity, Lee & Marlene Canter;
Principles Assertive Discipline and Budd Churchward; Honor Level System of
Discipline to be very helpful, but the one that continues to impacts or impress
me the most is Glasser.
The information that Ms. Sheridan shared with us through literature, lectures,
handouts and classroom discussions will prove to be very valuable to me in
the near future as my teaching career continues to unfold. Ms. Sheridan also
modeled an excellent example of classroom management when carrying out
her job as an instructor.
Classroom Management – Reflections