Preventive Discipline through Effective Classroom Management.

Discipline problems in both regular and special education settings can be prevented through the effective use of three key elements: (1) organizational management of classroom elements; (2) anticipation and re-direction of student behavior; and (3) positive, encouraging interactions with students. Organizational management of classroom elements takes into consideration the physical arrangement of the classroom, a consistent schedule of activities, procedures for handling classroom routines, and rules for classroom behavior. Anticipation and re-direction of circumstances that may lead to misbehavior can occur in three ways: through lesson planning and delivery, through the use of specific teacher behaviors, and through knowledge of individual student behavior patterns. Finally, creating a positive, encouraging classroom environment calls for high levels of student success and involvement in classroom activities, the use of encouragement instead of praise, and an attempt to avoid criticizing or demeaning students when they misbehave or make academic errors. (JDD)