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Assertive Discipline
As mentioned on the previous page, Assertive Discipline was created by Lee Canter. Canter believes that if you "catch" a student being good
by recognizing them when they behave, they will work harder at
behaving. He also believes that there should be consistent consequences
of breaking the rules that are very clear.
In a nutshell, the teacher comes up with no more than five rules
for
the classroom. It is more difficult for students to remember the rules
if more than five are presented. Each time a rule is broken, a
consequence is given. If
the misbehavior continues, the consequences get more severe every time.
At the same time, students are rewarded for behaving properly. This can
range from a field trip, pizza party, and a snack.
The teacher should come up with no more than five rules that are
easily understood and presented in a positive light. For example,
instead of "Students will not get out of their seats," you would write,
"Students will remain seated." Students need to know what to do, not
just what NOT to do. A "catch-all" rule should be added such as "Follow
directions the first time."
Next you create a consequence every time a student breaks a rule. Every
time the rule is broken, an increasingly severe consequence is added.
Unless the behavior is severe, usually the first time a rule is broken,
the student will be given a verbal warning. Next, the student's name is
written on the board without fanfare. After this, a check is put by the name of the student and the student begins to
exprience punishment for their misbehavior. This could range from a time-out,
loosing priviledges, detention in your classroom after school, an extra
assignment, etc.
The punishment is much more effective if it relates directly to the
behavior. For example, if a student pulls out all the paper towels on
the floor in the restroom, then a good punishment would be to clean the
restroom and mop the floor. If a student won't sit down when you ask
them to, give them a choice. "Tim, you have a choice. You can either
sit down now or sit with me after school for an hour today." You then
follow through by calling the parents to tell them their child will be
coming home an hour late. If the parent blames you for the problem or
gives excuses why he can't stay after school that day, give them a
choice too. "Tim can either stay after school today for an hour or he
can spend two hours for me on ____." If they argue with that, explain
to them that the punishment is much more effective when given soon
after the misbehavior.
Just as important, you also have a system to reward the students. They
can earn a ticket every day a name is not written on the board, or if
the class is quite difficult, any time a second or third check by a
name is given. Sometimes you can give instant rewards. My
great-grandfather was the only professor in Indiana University history
to be awarded the Brown Derby award two years in a row as the most
popular professor on campus. If he really liked the answer a student
gave him, he'd throw them a candy bar- and this was at the college
level.
Finally, it is important not to embarrass or shame a student.
Descretely talk with a student about an incident. Don't bring them any
attention in front of the other students because sometimes that is a
reward to them for misbehaving. They may not get any attention at home
and bad attention is better than no attention. You may need to teach
students how to behave. They can role play or some other activity that
reinforces positive behavior. Knowing the reasons for positive behavior
is also helpful.
In summary, students should be taught how to follow directions, they
need positive repetition to reinforce good behavior, and negative
consequences should be given after the first two don't work.
Lee Canter's Books:
Links
Assertive Discipline: More Than Names on the Board and Marbles in a Jar- A nice article by Lee Canter.
Assertive Discipline Information- A page on this method by Dr. Bob Kizlik
Assertive Discipline- A summary by the Telematic European Learning Materials for Inclusive Education.
Assertive Discipline- A nice summary by WikEd. It includes sample incentives by Canter.
Central Middle School's Assertive Discipline Plan- View this page to see a sample of punishments.
The Teacher's Role in the Application of an Assertive Discipline Program for Students- an article by School Psychology International.
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