Positive Discipline Within the Classroom

Effective Discipline Strategies for Kindergarten - 8th Grade

Desirae Barboza

Dominican University of California

Liberal Studies
Agenda
Arrival Story

Background

Purpose and Research Question

Review of Literature

Findings and Conclusions

Questions
Arrival Story

Classrooms based off of fear and reward where children have the mindset of I don't
want to get in trouble or if I make good choices I'll get a physical reward

Goal: Practice kindness because they want to be considerate of people

Positive classroom community → comfortable learning environment to get the most

out of the learning experience
Why Positive Discipline?

● Helps children feel a sense of connection

● Mutual respectful and encouragement
● Effective long term
● Teaches important social and life skills
● Invites children to discover how capable they are
Purpose

The purpose of my research is to find alternative discipline

strategies that effectively support students in the classroom.
Research Question

What are the most effective tools in establishing positive

discipline in an kindergarten - 8th classroom?
Review of Literature
Fostering a positive environment in schools using positive discipline
Kalpna Thajur, 2017
Why students engage in misbehavior?

● Lack of engagement and stimulation

● A rigid definition of acceptable behavior
● Attention
● Power
● Revenge
● Self - confidence

Misbehaving students are discouraged students.

Students are looking to find and maintain a place of significance in the classroom
Fostering a positive environment in schools using positive discipline
Kalpna Thajur, 2017
Three C’s
1. They need to feel Capable of completing tasks in a manner that meets the needs of the classroom and
school
2. They need to feel they can Connect successfully with teachers and classmates
3. They need to know they can Contribute to the group in a significant way.
Positive Discipline: in the classroom
Jane Nelsen

Praise vs Encouragement:

Praise: to express favorable judgement, an expression of approval Encouragement: To Inspire

Encouragement (instead of praise) notices effort and improvement, not just success, and builds long term
self-esteem and empowerment

Children who are praised for being smart when they accomplish a task chose easier task in the future - they
don’t want to risk making mistakes.

Children who are encouraged for their efforts are willing to pick more challenging tasks
Positive Discipline: in the classroom
Jane Nelsen
Praise: Encouragement:
I am proud of you I appreciate your help
You’re so smart You figured it out
I am impressed You worked really hard
Great! That’s what I expected! Look at your improvement!
You got an A! You can do it
You always know the right answer! You really stuck it out
Positive Behavioral Supports for the Classroom
Scheuermann, Hall
Correcting Students in a Constructive Way:

The goal: Have students reflect on what they did, be sorry, and make a better choice in the future. Provide
quick, fair, and meaningful consequences while at the same time communicating that you care and respect
the student.

Developing Positive Classroom Pride:

Support students taking pride in their accomplishments and positive behaviors rather than in their negative
behaviors by:

● Positively reinforce students verbally

● Speak to the accomplishments of all students
● Be sincere in your encouragement to the students
Positive Behavioral Supports for the Classroom
Scheuermann, Hall
Demonstrate Caring:

Caring provides a preventive approach to discipline, when students feel cared for, they are most likely to
want to please the teacher by complying with wishes and policies.

● Show interest in students’ personal lives

● Greet students by the door as they enter the room
● Touch base with students
● Sincerely listen to students
● Empathize with students
Research Methods
Classroom Observations

5th Grade Classroom in the San Francisco Bay Area

2 hour a week for 10 weeks

What can teachers do?

We must consider the impact of our decisions and actions on children’s physical
health, mental and emotional health, social relationships and academic achievement.

Positive discipline can help nurture and prepare students and make them
responsible citizens of their community.
Conclusions

● Positive discipline builds students self-confidence and instills a love of learning

that can last a lifetime
● Positive discipline motivates, encourages, supports, and leads to self-discipline,
increases competence and confidence.
Conclusions
● Positive Discipline is proactive:
○ Understanding and addressing the roots of learning and behavioral
difficulties
○ Identifying and implementing strategies that promote success and prevent
conflict
○ Avoiding short term reactions
Questions? Comments?