CONTROL MEASURES FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL SETTING

Some thoughts by Carl J. Wenning, ISU Physics Dept.

Many educators report that discipline is one of their biggest problems. Although there are no simple answers to helping students learn acceptable behavior, there are four major principles (the "4 F's") that can be followed help make a suitable learning environment for your students.

Be FAIR
Effective disciple measures require mutual respect, and being fair is a vital first step. Student hate nothing more than to be treated unfairly. Students know the meaning of fairness, and will be the first to defend their rights. Punishment must fit the crime, nothing more and nothing less. To be fair requires two things:

• Clear rules. Take time, especially at the outset of the school year to establish rules and discipline procedures. Concentrate on a few simple rules that are enforceable and are based on safety and rights of others. Help your students understand the meaning of the rules and the consequences for violators. If possible, have students help formulate these policies. Research shows that having clear rules improves not only classroom behavior, but academic performance as well.
• Consistent enforcement. Follow through on your policies by consistently applying them to violations according to your plan. This is especially important at the beginning of the year when some students will test the system to see what will happen.

Be FRIENDLY
Present the rules in a friendly and cooperative manner and then accentuate the positive.

• Encouragement. Show students that you care when they behave acceptably. Tell them what specific behavior you appreciated.
• Understanding. Some unruly students suffer from family discord (divorce, alcohol problems, abuse, low self-esteem, and emotional problems). Sometimes having personal talks with students can help you change from being a disciplinarian to being a helping friend.

Be FIRM
You might hear some teachers state, "Don't smile until Christmas." This does not mean that you shouldn't be friendly -- warm, concerned, and caring. What it does mean is that if you're going to establish and maintain good discipline, you must do so from the very beginning. It's easier to "lighten up" than it is to "throw the clamps on" at some future date. You can be fair and friendly to students and at the same time be firm in the enforcement of the rules and consequences. Be firm, but always use the minimum amount of authority required to achieve the intended goal.

• Tread softly, but carry a big stick. T. Roosevelt
• Don’t threaten something you can’t carry out.
• Don’t escalate situations needlessly.
• Maintain your reserves.
• Avoid confrontations, especially in front of other students.
• Avoid lose-lose situations.
• Excess use of authority will promote those very situations that they are supposed to diffuse.

Be FOCUSED
While some students tend to waste a lot of time, they prefer to do it on their own terms. Come to class prepared to focus on the objectives you have prepared in relation to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions you expect students to demonstrate. Teachers who lack direction and fumble around invite disciplinary problems.

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