Top 5 Myths about Classroom Management/Discipline

TOP 5 MYTHS ABOUT CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT/DISCIPLINE

1. Consequences have to be extreme to be effective. This is a common myth that I used to believe in myself. The extremity of the consequence should match the extremity of the broken rule.

2. Calling parents will improve student behavior. I am not saying that calls home will never ever improve behavior. I just would not count on it happening. This is an outdated management tool. Call parents to notify them, not to expect them to aid in your discipline plan.

3. The best discipline strategy is to start out mean and then loosen up as you go.  This theory is one of my pet peaves in discussions of management.  If you have an effective discipline plan, there is no reason to count on intimidating students into behaving.

4.  Classroom management is a skill that is born with and cannot be learned.  False! My goal is to show teachers that they can learn this skill and at least be good at it, if not great. 

5.  Lower level classes are the ones with the discipline problems.  Advanced/honors classes will automatically fall in line.  I have taught all levels and grades in high school and I have seen honors classes behave poorly and non-honors classes behave very well.  Classes of all levels and grades need an effective discipline plan.