Compare Discipline and Management

DISCPLINE vs. Management Compare Discipline and Management Discipline in the classroom is often equated with punishment, although punishment is only one of the tools of discipline that can be used by a teacher. One common definition of discipline is "teaching others right from wrong" with "methods to prevent or respond to behavior problems so they do not occur" (Behavior management, Sage Publications, 5). Discipline's "most typical current meaning seems to be most associated with the notion of bringing children into line" (Allen 2010).

In my own personal classroom vocabulary, I think of discipline as informing students of expected consequences, both good and bad, such as if a student turns in all of his homework on time he gets a sticker at the end of the week but if he does not he has to do an extra assignment. In other words, discipline is a way of dealing with problems and reducing the risk problems are likely to occur or reoccur with different reinforcement mechanisms such as behavior management.

In contrast, "classroom management has two distinct purposes" as "it seeks to establish and sustain an orderly environment so students can engage in meaningful academic learning, it also aims to enhance student social and moral growth" (Kratochwill 2014: 1). Classroom management means creating a positive environment which promotes learning. Even if no problems are occurring at the moment that does not necessarily mean that the environment is optimal. Good classroom management may include instating disciplinary procedures (and likely does) but is not limited to discipline.

For example, one proactive classroom management strategy is to give students a short assignment as soon as they walk through the door to focus their energies (Teachers share advice on classroom management, 2014, Education Week). Discipline is thus one part of management but not synonymous with classroom management itself. It also tends to take place 'after the fact,' i.e. after things go wrong. Rather than waiting for students to do something bad, effective classroom management means reducing the incentives for misbehavior by creating exciting lesson plans.

Strategies such as walking around the room to reduce talking during class or note-passing are also useful (Romano 2012: 14). Assigning seats rather than allowing students to choose their own seats likewise sets students up for successful listening rather than tempts them to fail. Discipline should not be confused with management because it is only one component or a subset of management.

A classroom can be disciplined in the sense that it is not actively trying to subvert the instructor but still can be poorly managed in the sense that the children are not being encouraged to behave well. A well-managed classroom contains children who do not have to constantly debate within themselves if they should be good or bad: rather it is an environment which supports good behavior by.