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Using a Discipline System to Promote Learning: Part 2 |
| Section: CURRENT ISSUES / EDUCATION WATCH |
| Author: Kerry Weisner |
| Publication:
The World & I Online |
| Issue Date: 1/1/2007 |
| Size: 3,415 Words, 22,088 Characters |
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On returning to the classroom after twenty-four years, Marvin Marshall struggled to maintain discipline. In Part 1 of this article, he described how his frustration led him to develop a system that would promote responsible behavior by internally motivating students. In Part 2, teacher Kerry Weisner describes the positive changes in her students' behavior and learning after she implemented Marshall's program in her classroom.
Part 2: The System in Practice
Nearly twenty-five years ago, as a beginning teacher struggling somewhat with classroom discipline, I eagerly scanned teacher magazines in search of tips. One technique came well recommended: I should divide my class into teams; offer points for good behavior, kind deeds and diligent work habit, and then each week present the winning team with something special--perhaps a chocolate bar, a comic book or a fancy pen. The magazine promised that this system would build self-esteem and motivate students to behave, do their best work, learn well and be kindhearted. Armed with enticing treats for incentives, I had great expectations for improved behavior from those few students who occasionally challenged me and for an increased level of motivation from the rest of the class. This was so easy. Why hadn't I thought of it myself?
Easy? Well, not for me! I didn't seem to have the necessary skills to get this straightforward little plan to work. It turned out that I wasn't a very accurate judge of who should be awarded points. I could never pay enough attention to determine which team was truly the quietest at dismissal time, and I found it almost impossible to accurately assess which group had the tidiest handwriting. Since I was not alert enough to notice every act of kindness in the room, the children themselves began to interrupt lessons to point them out to me.
As it happened, my students, fifth grade that year, were quick to pick up on my obvious lack of skill, and the more vocal ones were not about to let any errors go by unnoticed. Often squabbles broke out, and eventually even the "good kids" started...
Read Full Article
...eates a classroom in which young people feel safe, care for one another, and enjoy learning. Teaching becomes a joy when students demonstrate more responsible behavior and become motivated to put more effort into their own learning.
MORE INFO
For more information on Marvin Marshall's teaching methods visit his website http://www.marvinmarshall.com.
Copyright © 2004 Marvin Marshall
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Publication Details
(The World & I Online) |
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The World & I Online is a
comprehensive academic resource that encompasses a broad range of
articles by scholars and experts in the areas of Global Studies,
Liberal Arts, Fine & Applied Arts, General Science, and Spanish.
Originally published monthly in print as The World & I, our site
includes the complete contents since 1986 and continues to publish
a new issue online each month. |
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