assertive discipline

Assertive Discipline

The classroom context

An assertive teacher…

▪ emphasizes punishing unacceptable behaviors

▪ providing reinforcement for behaviors that are acceptable to teachers

How to apply assertive discipline? (Canter’s steps)

1. Create positive student–teacher relationships.

2. Establish rules or expectations.

3. Track misbehavior.

4. Use punishments to enforce limits.

5. Implement a system of positive consequences.

6. Establish strong parent support.

How to communicate it effectively?

▪ Proper assertive language (hints, questions, I-message)– “Everyone should be working”– “Would you please get to work?”– “I want you to open your books and get to

work”

How to use apply effectively? (cont’)

▪ Tone of voice is firm but not abusive

▪ Establish eye contact

▪ Mention students’ names

▪ Place hand on student’s shoulder if necessary

Appropriate punishments

▪ Timeout – isolate disruptive students

▪ Withdraw privileges– reduce recess or free time or other activities

▪ Detention

Appropriate punishments (cont’)

▪ Send to principal’s office

▪ Call parents

▪ Send to next class

▪ Tape record misbehaviour (openly)

Reward acceptable behaviors

▪ Praise and spend time with students outside class

▪ Positive notes or calls to parents

▪ Awards

Reward acceptable behaviours (cont’)

▪ Special privileges – Additional activities

▪ Material rewards

▪ Home rewards by parents, communicated by teachers

▪ Group rewards

How reward should be done?

“Catching them being good”

▪ In ways they feel comfortable

▪ With rewards they want and enjoy,

▪ Immediately after positive behaviour

▪ As often as possible

How it prevents discipline problems

▪ Rules and punishments are stated clearly

▪ Deterrent – When punishments are visible and consistent in

class

Negative effects of punishments

▪ Aggressive towards peers and own children

▪ Seek revenge

▪ Poor teacher-student relationship– Avoid contact with teacher– Lie, cheat, skips class

Negative effects of punishments (cont’)

▪ Disrupts other students

▪ Hinders socially desirable behaviors

▪ Suspended students cannot catch up with schoolwork and behavior not rectify

▪ Reinforces misbehavior

▪ Negative attitude towards school