Every phase of classroom management is closely related to classroom discipline. Good discipline results to good teaching. Good discipline implies obedience on the part of every pupil to classroom rules and regulation with the aim achieving success in learning. Ability to secure good discipline is one of the guidelines of a good teacher. On the other hand, poor discipline is one of the causes of failure in teaching.
In considering discipline, the teacher must remember that he is constantly faced with two behavior problems – one is how to take care of the immediate situation and other is the one of visualizing the long-time behavior patterns that the teacher is trying to develop in the learner. The teacher and the learner must both attempt not only to plan present behavior to meet day by day situations but must also have a vision of the goals of his behavior in the future that will be most satisfying.
Classroom discipline’s true function is to create and maintain classroom conditions favorable to effective teaching and learning. The teacher must follow modern concept of discipline based on democratic principles:
- Discipline based on devotion to humanitarian principles and ideals such as freedom, justice and equality for all rather than discipline based on a narrower and more egoistic affiliation.
- Discipline which recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of every human being rather than discipline attained through humiliation.
- Discipline which develops self-direction, self-discipline rather than discipline based on compulsion and obedience.
- Discipline based on understanding of the goal in view rather discipline based on high authority.
By: Teodora T. Quezon | T-III | Bilolo Elementary School
