Combined from EDE 302 and 601...

Note: These lists include the good, the bad, and the ugly -- just because an item is on this list doesn't mean that it is acceptable or desireable!

WHY WE NEED DISCIPLINE

Kids need the chance to focus without distractions
Maximize time spent on what the teacher thinks is important
Safety (physical and emotional)
Protect property
Monitor progress
Create classroom community, values, etc.
Consistency is important for kids' growth
Socialization to society's norms and values
Prevent conflict/bad feelings etc.
Build trust
Consistency: all students can learn the same things
Allows teacher to exercise control
Respecting authority is necessary for later life success
Curricular learning is impossible without it

STRATEGIES FOR DISCIPLINE

Make rules public
Show anger
Make kids feel bad
Create fear
Create trust
Manage the focus of attention
Give responsibility to kids - kids participate in rule making
Rewards, consequences, punishments
Preserve dignity as opposed to using embarrassment
Use role-play and stories to anticipate and talk over situations before they happen
Try to be consistent and fair, use fairness tools
Make sure kids get attention to needs
Try to find out root of problems
Make content as interesting as possible
Focus on procedures and practice them
Explain why you do things
Change rules as necessary
Focus on self-control, inner discipline
Foster a feeling of belonging and contributing
Make norms and rules visible
Praise desired behavior
Keep students busy
Organize the environment well
Foster self-reflection
Show concern for individuals
Pay attention to routines and procedures
Communicate with other teachers and get help when necessary
Sometimes, do nothing

(These are for EDE 601 -- if you're looking for the EDE 302 papers, see my earlier post.)

Teacher Position Papers

Case 1 Teacher Position

Case 2 Teacher Position

Case 2 Principal position
(Rosaland has written a separate position paper for Case 2, from the point of view of the principal.  Critics may choose to respond to this position as well as or instead of the teacher position paper for this case.)

Case 3 Teacher Position

Critic Profiles

Mortimer Adler

Maria Montessori

Jane Roland Martin

Jaime Escalante

E. D. Hirsch

John Ogbu