Each time a new teacher formally enters the profession, fear lingers within.  This fear is brought about by the challenge in disciplining the students and successfully managing the classroom.  Here are some tips which a new teacher can find useful in instilling discipline among the students and coming up with a well-managed classroom.

1. Get easy.  Start the school year with a good discipline plan.  Set a good example and students will surely follow.
2. Be fair.  Act fairly and you will be respected.  If you favor someone in the class, it will be hard to instill discipline among the students because they see something questionable on you.
3. Deal with disruptions with less interruption.  It is imperative to immediately deal with class disruptions but let it not disrupt the class.  If students have separate discussion, ask them a question to get their attention.
4. Employ humor in dealing with disruptions. Have a good laugh to get things back in track.  Do not be sarcastic as this may harm classroom relationship.  Use best judgment.  What is funny to others may be offensive to others.
5. Avoid confrontations in front of the class.  As a teacher, you need to keep order and discipline in the class.  It is much better to discipline a student in private to avoid embarrassment.
6. Have high expectations in the class.  Remain positive that your students will behave in class.  Explain to the students your expectations and integrate them in all your activities.
7. Avoid giving much free time.  This will allow students to talk much and loses their focus on the academics.  Write additional activities in your lesson plan just in case your main lesson runs short.
8. Be consistent.  Do not change your rules overnight.  Students may conclude that changes are adopted to favor someone, and you will lose their respect.  Once you lose their respect, you also lose their attention and desire to please you.
9. Make them understand the rules.  Make everything clear to the students.  If rules are clear and understood, they become acceptable.  Also make them understand the consequences of breaking up rules in the class.
10. Have a fresh start everyday.  What the students have done yesterday, should not be expected of them the next day.  Make your daily expectations fresh and teach with a clear desire to impart knowledge.  However, be mindful of what they have done before.

By: Randy M. Bongco | Teacher III | Orion Elementary School