Introduction

Thinking back through the invaluable and highly resourceful contents of the course, it is an incredibly challenging task, to pick just one topic that impacted me. Being both a parent and an educator, almost all topics were directly relevant and almost immediately implementable. If I am to narrow it down, one of the more significant portions of this course was built around disciplinary measures and management. Both in my professional and personal life, disciplinary circumstances are part of the day-to-day routine. Therefore, this concept would be most relevant to my context.

Models of Discipline

One should ensure that disciplinary measures do not diminish the joy of learning.  I will continue to apply some of the theories related to discipline in my classroom. The firm and kind approach seems to be a good balance to maintain to achieve effective discipline.  Getting down to the root cause of the behavior and finding ways to change the behavior by addressing the cause, is fundamental to classroom management. As Jane Nelson describes in her talk, the iceberg runs much deeper than what is visible. StoneVistaMedia, (2019). A variety of reasons need to be researched and examined to find out where the unpleasant behavior is stemming from.  Staying calm and not reacting is key.  

Kohn (1995) states that punishment and rewards do not work in the long term. He goes on to state that threats and bribes can buy a short-term change in behavior, but they can never help kids develop a commitment to positive values. Ultimately teachers and parents want children to become moral people of values, be creative, critical thinking innovators and not materialistic and superficial people. Oshman Family JCC (2015).

“To help kids engage in such reflection, we have to work with them rather than doing things to them. We have to bring them in on the process of making decisions about their learning and their lives together in the classroom. Children learn to make good choices by having the chance to choose, not by following directions.” (Kohn, 1995, para 11)

In a school, parent involvement is also key in this process and it is essential that a strong sense of ‘team’ exists between the teacher, the student and the parent in order to achieve an effective teaching-learning process. Bullying, unfortunately, is something many students deal with and it is important that a strong support framework is put in place. A network must be built for any child to turn towards.

As Positive Discipline (2018) states, treating children with dignity and respect is important but, but spoiling and pampering children is encouraging to them and results in social and behavioral problems. Dreikurs and Adler refer to the kind and firm approach to teaching and parenting as democratic. Jane Nelson according to StoneVistaMedia (2019) proposes the following key takeaways techniques for positive discipline.

Connection before correction - It is important to establish a relationship before disciplining. 

Positive timeout - set a quiet and comfortable space of the child’s choice for them to reflect and reach a calm mindset.

Family/ Class meetings - Regular meetings to discuss progress and discipline between students and teachers or parents and children are essential.

Not looking to blame but looking for solutions - be more focused on a positive outcome of the situation.

Use Encouragement instead of praise - For example instead of saying “I am proud of you” say “you must be so proud of yourself”.

Lead children towards self-discipline - Instead of using traditional punitive methods, let them make some choices and face the consequences of their choices in a healthy way. We, adults, need to lead by example by the little things we do. Often, children do as adults do and not as they say.

This course has provided me with an invaluable set of tools that I need and use to manage my class more effectively. Having put many of these methods into practice, I have found that they are much better at connecting with the student than conventional methods which focus on actions and consequences only. When formulating rules for the next school year I will be sure to involve the students in a discussion of what is best and safest for them. I will then take their suggestions in formulating consequences. 

Both as a parent and a teacher, I will continue to follow the guidelines that I have learned from this course and hopefully be a better educator and mother than I was, when I started. It will be a continuous growth process for me and I am immensely grateful for that. When educators learn and improve, thousands of lives can be positively impacted by this growth. I also wish to share these priceless techniques with my colleagues and other parents so that we will all be on the same page in taking small steps towards a more self-disciplined, self-motivated next generation who are self-directed and leaders in their learning process.

 ‘When you learn, teach. When you get, give!’ - Maya Angelou

References

Kohn, A. (1995). Discipline is the problem- Not the solution. Retrieved from https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/discipline-problem-solution/

Nelson, J, Positive Discipline, 18 Ways to Avoid Power Struggles retrieved on 2021 February 6 from https://www.positivediscipline.com/articles/18-ways-avoid-power-struggles

Oshman Family JCC (2015, February 12) Alfie Kohn at the OFJCC: Performance vs. Learning - The Costs of Overemphasizing Achievement [Video file] retrieved from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4qRZt0VCak

Positive Discipline, (2008, November 28). 50 Ways to Avoid Power Struggles with Children. [Video file] retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx8_6Vmgcjk

StoneVistaMedia (2019, November 9 ) Jane Nelson Presentation. [Video file] retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_h44xFO12U