Assertive discipline
- 2. This model is developed by Lee Canter who is a child guidance specialistCanter believes that teachers have traditionally ignore their own needs in the classroom. However, they have their own needs, wants, and feelings just as their students. For Canter, teachers must insist that their own rights are met in the classroom. These rights include :
- 3. The right to establish classroom rules and procedures that produce the optimum learning environment
- 4. The right to insist on behavior from students that meets teachers’ needs
- 5. The right to receive help in disciplining from both parents and school administrators when support is needed. In simple terms, assertive teachers let students know that they mean what they say and say what they meanThe assertive teacher is able to identify wants and feelings in interpersonal situations
- 6. persist in stating wants and feelings
- 7. use a firm tone of voice maintain eye contact when speaking
- 8. reinforce verbal statements with nonverbal gestures Teachers, according to Canters, fall into one of three categories regarding to their response styles to misbehaviors of their students. Thesecategories are assertive, hostile and nonassertive.
- 9. A nonassertive teacher is passive, often inconsistent and unwilling to impose demands on student behavior. He fails to let the students clearly know what he wants and what he will not accept.
- 10. Nonassertive response: “Please (almost pleading) try to stop talking while I am teaching. How many times do I have to warn you?”
- 11. Comment: Even while enforcing legitimate rules, nonassertive teachers have a tendency to plead. Asking students to try to stop talking is not really what the teacher wants. What he wants is the students to actually stop talking.
- 12. A hostile teacher address students in an abusive way. He often loses his temper. Hostile teachers and the behaviors they use, hurt students’ feelings, provoke disrespect and a desire to take revenge.
- 13. Hostile response: “Hey, you two. Where are your manners? You are the most inconsiderate kids I have ever had the misfortune of teaching. Now turn around and shut up if you know what is good for you.”
- 14. Comment: Hostile teachers see the situation as “me versus them”. They take everything personally.
- 15. An assertive teacher protects the rights of both the teacher and the student. With this style, he makes his expectations known to students in a calm and businesslike manner. He backs up his words with actions when necessary.
- 16. Assertive response: While continuing to lecture, the teacher moves over to the chattering students and says “Ahmet and Ali, the rule in this class is that while one person is talking the rest of the class will remain quiet and listen. I want you to stop talking, turn around and face front, and pay attention to the lecture.”
- 17. Comment: Assertive teachers act in a calm, confident and businesslike manner. They let their discipline plan do all of the work. The response they desire is clearly communicated.
- 18. In assertive discipline model, the teacher has to write out a discipline plan, gives a copy to the principal for approval and sends it home to parents asking feedback and suggestions. The teacher also teaches the plan to the students on the first day of the class.