Imposing discipline in public high schools is already a demand to respond for all teachers. In reality, kids who are out of control can cause stress on the part of the teachers. The question is, what should be the ways to change behavior and create improved school climates?

            There are specific actions to take to cultivate better school climates and behavior. As teachers, we need to set clear boundaries for students in our classrooms and strengthen techniques for engaging them in learning. School principals must introduce policies that emphasize responsibility.

            For some reasons, it is also important to build constructive relationships with students. Showing interest in their music, hobbies and after-school activities would mean a lot to them. Soon, students may realize you care about them as people and many of them will instinctively come to your side and not want to disappoint you behaviorally or academically.

            Engagement is also a form of prevention. Don’t just sit there for an hour. Elicit students’ interest and attention. Giving students extended periods of time with no expectation of active involvement or teacher feedback will lead to disruptions, guaranteed.Creating opportunities for movement and involvement like this is often a good way to curb emerging behavioral problems.

            Yelling to problem students does not work. It will never make you earn their respect. It is better to approach them in a way that they won’t lose their esteem. Teachers should be understanding at all times as much as possible. Getting mad quickly will make the situation worse.

            Student-behavior problems can no longer be a problem if the teacher has the determination to make a change. As everybody knows, good teachers produce good students. By then, they should try their very best not just to develop the minds of the students but also their behavior as well.

By: Mayla L. Constantino | T-III | Magsaysay National High School