Classroom management

The teacher who uses assertive discipline effectively has a classroom plan, which she shares with pupils so that they are clear about the consequences of their actions.

The teacher will have a list of classroom rules on display and will remind the pupils what they are at the start of the lesson. (Appendix 1) The rules in Mrs. Ward's class are:

.Follow directions first time given.

2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

3. No swearing, teasing, name-calling or put-downs.

4. Do not interrupt when someone else is speaking.

The consequences of choosing to ignore these rules are:

First time a rule is broken: Warning

Second time: Wait outside the classroom for 1 minute

Third time: Wait outside the classroom for 2 minutes

Fourth time: Phone call to parents

Fifth time: Sent to head teacher

The classroom discipline consists of three main parts:

. Rules that pupils must follow at all times.

2. Positive recognition that pupils will receive for following the rules.

3. Consequences that result when pupils choose not to follow the rules.

Watching a teacher apply assertive discipline is a very positive experience. The atmosphere of the whole room is calm, the lesson has continuity and all pupils are able to make a positive contribution.

A. Biggs Learning Support Assistant Course - Advanced

Non-assertive discipline

I have also been in lessons where the teacher's response to pupils has had a negative effect on behaviour and the morale of the whole class. When a teacher "reacts" to pupil's disruptive behaviour it is known as either a non-assertive or hostile response.

The non-assertive response is one where the teacher is passive and does not give clear directions; she responds to inappropriate behaviour as and when it happens. She will be inconsistent in her response and will allow poor behaviour to go unchallenged one day and respond angrily another. When a pupil thinks that he can behave in any way he chooses and not suffer any consequences then he will see how far he can push the boundaries at every opportunity.

The hostile response

The hostile teacher is one who keeps the class under control but only through intimidation. They do not set a good example of how to behave and often put down pupils with remarks that lowers their self-esteem and hurt their feelings.

They promote negative feelings and expectations where pupils believe that they cannot achieve goals or succeed. The hostile teacher rarely makes a positive comment and takes every opportunity to make a negative one.

Since I tend to "follow" pupils from one lesson to the next, I am well placed to see the differences in classroom management. I have been in a lesson where the teacher has had no control over the class and even the pupils who are normally well behaved begin to act inappropriately. I have followed the same class to the next lesson where they have entered the room quietly, got books and equipment out ready to work and sat quietly whilst the teacher gives instructions. It highlights how different management styles can affect a class or individual and the potential for learning.

A. Biggs Learning Support Assistant course - Advanced