The teaching career, in university or college, prepares us in many aspects, beyond the knowledge of the subjects that we will teach. We see subjects that help us develop a pedagogical strategy in the classroom, how to develop a class, from the introduction to the topic, development of the class itself and closure. We prepare ourselves in human study, with subjects such as psychology, sociology and we learn to improve our communication skills. All these elements are helpful to achieve a productive and harmonious classroom experience, both for us and for our students.
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However, one of the aspects that we learn with experience in the classroom is discipline. Certainly, some teachers have more skills than others to manage the discipline within the classroom and, of course, this will also depend on the type of school and the socio-cultural environment in which our now adolescent students have grown. There are great differences between children and adolescents, both in their behavior and in their way of thinking. The latter may present, at a given time in their adolescence, some attitude of rebellion.
Adolescent usually thinks that he knows many things, and does not need our guidance and advice. If we manage to maintain in our classroom an atmosphere of harmony and respect through honest communication and the establishment of clear rules, along with an adequate planning of the activities to be carried out within the classroom, we will succeed in the management of discipline.
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There is certainly no formula for all groups in all circumstances. The greater or lesser ability to achieve group control in the classroom depends on several factors, among which we can name the type of school, socio-economic level of the students, number of students, subject taught, time of the class, character of the teacher, activities planning. However, we can mention some tips that can be applied in almost all cases:
Arrive punctually at the time of class.
Maintain a good personal presentation and show self-confidence.
Pre-prepare each class, taking into account the time available for the planned activities.
Use an appropriate voice tone. A good teacher projects his voice, without the need to shout.
Establish rules to be followed in the classroom from the first day.
Call each student by his or her name.
When a behavioral problem occurs in the classroom, address the students in a quiet but safe tone of voice.
If it has been necessary to warn of a possible sanction, fulfill it.
Establish a cordial and respectful relationship with students.
Carry out a reorganization of the positions of students in the classroom if necessary.
Report to the coordinator or corresponding school authority, if the situation presented has not been resolved within the classroom, or if the seriousness of the fault make it necessary.
Keep a class dairy, where you can take note of all the events.
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Finally, I believe the best way to maintain discipline in any classroom is a well-planned and prepared class, where students keep their attention on what we are teaching and not on anything else. A good teacher does his work with love and dedication. That is reflected in what the teacher brings to the classroom, and students perceive it and learn more and better.
Muchas gracias!
It is certainly not easy to handle the teenagers. I have older son is 18 this year. He has his own thoughts and we can only advice him what he should do.
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It is not easy, but in this stage they need us more than ever.