Misbehavior among Public Elementary Pupils and Disciplinary Practices of Teachers in Selected Schools of Tanauan City Division: Basis for an Action Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Positive Discipline is a discipline model used by schools and in parenting that focuses on the positive points of behavior. It is based on the idea that there are no bad children, just good, and bad behaviors. Good behavior can be taught and reinforced while weaning the bad behaviors without hurting the child verbally or physically. Rather, they are actively involved in helping their child learn how to handle situations more appropriately while remaining calm and respectful to the children themselves. Positive discipline includes a number of different techniques that can lead to a more effective way for parents to manage their kids’ behavior or for teachers to manage groups of students.

METHODS

The researcher has studied relevant literature on classroom management and positive discipline and has designed a series of interview questions. Elementary educators and the school principal were contacted in October 2017, and an interview date and time were scheduled for January 2018 with those willing to participate. The researchers recruited 200 elementary educators and principal. The one-time interview was conducted at a local elementary school located in a sub-urban setting. During the interview, each teacher participant was provided a copy of the questions and the researcher typed notes and quotes. The interview consisted of questions asking personal opinions on effective classroom management and use of positive discipline in their classroom.

RESULTS

After examining, effective classroom management, there were many similarities between the responses. Setting clear expectations and rules at the beginning of the school year, having consistency with the rules and expectations, as well as having good parent communication are all pieces that were commonly mentioned. Four out of the five teachers mentioned all three in their responses, while only one teacher mentioned setting clear expectations and rules at the beginning of the school year

DISCUSSIONS

When students misbehave, they should have the opportunity to explain themselves and for an adult to teach them why the behavior was wrong. These are great teaching moments. Instead of focusing on the rewards or consequences of misbehavior, they focused on the teaching moments that can happen when a child misbehaves. These teaching moments are a major component of positive discipline and can help children learn and grow from their mistakes. It also helps students learn to make better choices in the future.