Assertive Discipline in the classroomby Lee and Marlene Canter

Assertive Discipline* The underlying goal of Assertive Discipline is allowing teachers to engage their students in the learning environment in the classroom and continue on despite the misbehavior of other students in the class* This is partly achieved by developing a precise and clear set of classroom rules, which students must follow at all times inside and outside the classroom

- Positive recognition that students receive for following the rules- Consequences that result when students choose not to follow the rules

(consequences escalate when students break more rules in the same session)- With the start of a new day comes a new chance to be quality students

There are some preconceived ideas that come with Assertive DisciplineThat students are going to misbehaveIt is enforced that students comply with rules, and that there is a totalitarian approachTeachers want to be able to teach without interruptions from students who are doing the wrong thing That Punishment for wrong behavior discourages students from breaking rules that the teacher has put into the classroom enviroment.

Positive’s of Assertive DisciplineGives teachers more valuable teaching time in the classroomGives students clear understanding of what is expected, and hence helps stop problems occurring in the first place. They don’t break the rules because they know exactly what will happen if they doWhen only a warning is required to stop behavior, it helps save time the teacher doesn’t need to deviate from their teaching for long periods of time.

Negative’s of Assertive DisciplineAll rules are made by a teacher and students are told to obey or not, but if they do not obey then there will be consequencesCanter developed assertive discipline for a specific type of students (those with special needs) but assumes that the same model will work for all students.Very little “hard research” on assertive discipline

How Assertive Discipline is best used in the classroom environmentThere is no reason whatsoever for misbehaviorHave your 4 or 5 rules and STICK TO THEMDetermine appropriate positive and negative consequences for the respective outcomesDisplay rules clearly in the classroom on the wallStudents sign an agreement or contract stating they will follow rules, it is between teacher and student.Whenever a student chooses to behave in the correct manner RECOGNISE IT IMMEDIATELYThe KEY to assertive discipline is to catch students being good, quality students.