Learning

Classroom Management vs. Discipline

Although related, classroom management and discipline are very commonly interchanged, but they are distinctly different topics and should not be lumped together as if they were synonymous.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT deals with how things are done.
DISCIPLINE deals with how people behave.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT has to do with procedures and routines to the point of becoming rituals.
DISCIPLINE is about impulse management and self-control.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT is the teacher’s responsibility.
DISCIPLINE is the student’s responsibility.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT is enhanced when procedures are:
1. explained to students,
2. modeled for students,
3. practiced by students,
4. reinforced by practicing again, and periodically (when necessary)
5. practiced again. (Oftentimes practicing something one time does not put it into long-term memory.)

When procedures are … >>>

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A Technique Worth Using to Inspire

The Thursday, October 25, 2007 edition of USA Today featured an article about Nancy Berry, a teacher in Walton Beach, Florida. The 64-year-old first grade teacher’s classroom was described as a place where children want to learn. What struck me more than creative learning stations and individualizing instruction was her carefully crafted teaching strategies that instill self-confidence, etiquette, and compassion—the foundation of character traits that last a lifetime.

Here is an example of how she motivates youngsters to write. A topic is first discussed. Students write at least six lines about the discussion. The required six lines usually turns into 16. She avoids being critical of children’s mistakes. Instead she uses an empathetic approach when reviewing their work. Berry … >>>

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Student Self-Questions

All students have two questions when they enter any classroom:
(1) Will I fit in?
(2) Will I succeed?

Two ways to empower students so that their responses will be in the affirmative are:

(1) Start the class by having students share the name they would like to be called and have them share one personal thing about themselves. It can be a hobby, a special interest, how they enjoy spending their time, a favorite movie, a special song—anything that others in the class can relate to about each student.

(2) Start any assignment or any test that is EASY so that the students’ self-talk becomes, “I can do this!”… >>>

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Strategies for Boosting Attention

In order for the brain to pay attention, the stimulus needs to be engaging.

Any of the following approaches will keep young people’s attention:

1. The presentation or activity is creative.
2. The information is relevant, interesting, or fun.
3. The questions asked prompt curiosity.
4. Variety, the spice of learning, is employed.
5. Enthusiasm is displayed.

It is also important to remember that the brain doesn’t remember what it doesn’t use.

The aphorism definitely pertains to learning: Use it or lose it.>>>

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Positivity Is the Key to Achievement

Having a positive mindset is essential for efficient learning. There is a direct connection between the brain and the body. Think of the emotion that is prompted when the youngster’s self-talk is, “I HAVE to go to school today.”

Now think of the emotion that is prompted when the youngster thinks, “I GET to go to school today.”

Thinking in more positive terms (I get to vs. I have to) prompts desire.

The most important ingredient to academic success is not native ability but rather staying on a task until successfully completed, and this requires self-talk of, “I can do this.”

Positivity prompts optimism.

Optimism prompts perseverance.

Perseverance breeds achievement.>>>

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The Falsehood of Business and Government Leaders to Education

For U.S. business leaders to convince legislators that they have the answers to educational challenges is not only inaccurate, it can even be considered dishonest. To assume that all children can be treated as cars going down an assembly line is false and naive.

The root causes for problems in government, business, and education are all different. Yet, one often hears that if education were run more like a business, many of the problems of education would be eliminated. This infers that business does everything right and education has it wrong. The numerous examples where businesses display poor practices are simply too numerous to fill an entire book. The proof of this statement is the plethora of business books … >>>

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Skinner vs. Marshall

“I had the opportunity to do a lengthy interview with B.F. Skinner. I concluded that I do not subscribe to much of what he taught—for example, his rejection of all inferred states such as attitudes and motivation. . . . Marvin Marshall addresses a fundamental problem that every society must solve: how to produce individuals who will take responsibility for doing the important tasks that need to get done. Using some of the latest findings of social science, Dr. Marshall has developed an approach that enables parents and teachers to help young people grow into responsible citizens and live satisfying and rewarding inner-directed lives.” —Gene Griessman, Ph.D.

Burrhus Frederic Skinner (1904-1990) was the famed Harvard University psychologist who became … >>>

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Clarifying Teaching and Learning

An understanding of each distinctive concept of curriculum, instruction, classroom management, and discipline is essential for effective teaching.For example, although classroom management and discipline are related, they are distinctly different topics and should not be lumped together as if they were synonymous.

Curriculum refers to what is to be taught. The curriculum is determined by state departments of education, boards of education, the “federal agenda,” professional associations, the community—and, more recently, corporate performance accountability models for learning.

It is the teacher’s responsibility to make the curriculum relevant, interesting, meaningful, and/or enjoyable. A first step would be for the teacher to ask the question, “Why should my students be learning this?” Then tell the students.

Instruction has two components: (1) teaching>>>

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PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Stepping Backwards

“All schools in North Carolina will implement Positive Behavior Support as an effective and proactive process for improving social competence and academic achievement for all students.” SO READS THE MANDATE.

The North Carolina Positive Behavioral Support Initiative is part of the North Carolina State Improvement Program funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act is aimed at helping individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, the approaches used in so many special education classes use 19th and 20th century external, manipulative, and coercive approaches.

Here is a simple case of punished by rewards: Susie does all the right things Nancy does. Nancy is rewarded, but Susie is not. Susie is punished by the system. Where is the fairness? Yet, this … >>>

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The Clearing House Article about Discipline Without Stress

The CLEARING HOUSE asked the author to explain his system. 

The article explains the totally noncoercive—but not permissive—discipline and learning system. The article explains the difference between classroom management and discipline; the three principles to practice of positivity, choice, and reflection; the Raise Responsibility System; a conclusion, suggested readings; and references. … >>>

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South Africa

On October 10, 2007, I had the pleasure of speaking in South Africa. The country is undergoing the most radical change of any modern country as it moves away from complete separateness (apartheid) of its various groups of people.

The traditional African approach of dealing with problems through consultation and bargaining and of resolving disputes through negotiation is readily apparent in this dynamic country.

There are 11 official languages. It is the only country with three (3) capital cities: Cape Town (legislature), Pretoria (executive), and Bloemfontein (judicial).

Any challenge that any country has to deal with shrinks when compared to the challenges of the Republic of South Africa.… >>>

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