THEORIES OF ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE

(Lee Canter and Marlene Canter)

Presented by:Norshazila binti Roslee

Nursha-Irma binti ZainalNurul Sofia binti Mazlan

LEE CANTER(teacher)

MARLENE CANTER(social worker specializing in special

education)

• Lee Canter and Marlene Canter found that many teachers were unable to manage the undesirable behaviour that occurred in their classrooms.

• Based on their investigation and research, they developed assertive disciplines.

• Assertive discipline is a systematic and objective way of ensuring a teacher-controlled classroom.

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

• It is also called the "take-control" approach to teaching, as the teacher controls their classroom in a firm but positive manner.

• This theory requires teachers to be assertive rather than passive or hostile(teacher-controlled).

• The teacher creates a set of behaviour rules for the class and a set of negative consequences that result if the rules are not followed.

• Example: Persistent use of first-languageestablish a set of class rules and develop a penalty

system for when they use their first-language

GOALS/OBJECTIVES

• To allow teachers to engage students in the learning process uninterrupted by students’ misbehaviour(eg: overly dependent on teacher, does not show interest in learning English)

• To help teachers become the captains of their classrooms and positively influence their students' behaviour.

THREE RESPONSES STYLE

Non-assertive• passive• Used by teachers

who fail to establish clear standards of behaviour

• Eg: “You are talking again without raising your hand”

Hostile• Use threats and

sarcasm• Has potentials for

emotional harm and possible abuse

• Eg:”Do that again, Nelson, and see what you get”(teasing friend who can’t pronounce word correctly)

Assertive• explains what

behaviour is unacceptable and acceptable.

• The consequences of various behaviors are made clear to the students.

• Eg: “Don’t answer unless you raise your hands and I call on you”.

APPROACHES/STRATEGIES

• Decide which rules (4 or 5 are best) you wish to implement in your classroom.

Raise up their hands when answering the question, do not disturb others, speak in English, be quiet when teacher is speaking

• Determine negative consequences for noncompliance

Time-out, extra homework,

• Determine positive consequences for appropriate behaviour.

Verbal praise, giving stars

• List the rules on the board along with the positive and negative consequences.• Have the students write the rules and take them home to be signed by the parents and returned.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE THEORIES

Strengths• Foundation of mutual trust

and positive relationships with students and earn their respect

• Develop good class control• Student expectations are

clearly stated• Rules and limitations are

also clearly stated

Weaknesses• Theories will not work

without positive relationships and respect from teacher and students.

• Teaching style may not fit the needs of all students

• Can be a bad way to start off the year

• Teachers can become over controlling

Strengths

• No interruption from students during teaching & learning session.

• Simple and well-structured plan.

• Teachers are in power to control the students.

Weaknesses

• Minimal students’ interaction.

• Limited to three types of teacher.

• This approach fails to promote self-direction in students.

• Students are not allowed to give ideas.

Strengths• Punishment will make

students avoid breaking rules and positive reinforcement will encourage good behaviour.

• Positive, caring, and productive classroom environment

Weaknesses• The practice of warning

students by putting their names on the board may entice some students to misbehave who otherwise would not.

• Negative consequences or punishment stimulates rebellion and promotes the very behavior it is designed to eliminate.

HOW TO BE PRACTICAL IN CLASSROOM?

DISCIPLINE

- Set an example and start discipline from the beginning.

- Be firm in classroom management.- E.g : Make “Learn A Word A Day” as a classroutine.

Start Being Consistent With Discipline and Classroom Routine

ESTABLISH

- Explain why rules & consequences are needed, teach and review the rules frequently

- E.g : Always remind and encourage students to use English.

Familiarise students with the plan

CONSISTENT

Develop a consistent rules & procedures

BALANCE

Maintain a careful balance between penalties for misbehaviours/ errors and

positive reinforcement

• Social reinforces – words, smiles, praises

• Positive notes • Special awards/

privileges

• Verbal Warning• Time – out • Detention • Parental Phone

Establishing Rewards Establishing Consequences

DON’T BE BIASED!

• Avoid showing favoritism towards particular students.

Application of the Model

Maria is quite docile in class. She does little socializing with other students and rarely show

interest in learning English. She is physically present but makes little effort or contribution

in learning and using English.

Uncooperative student

1. Make the class expectations clear to Maria.

2. Give rewards and positive comments whenever Maria

made any improvement.

3. Provide a language-rich environment – skits, role play,

language games

4. Deal with errors appropriately.

5. Be consistent when you follow through with

consequences. (e.g : when Maria keep on using Malay )

References

• http://www.behavioradvisor.com/AssertiveDiscipline.html

• http://www.teachermatters.com/classroom-discipline/models-of-discipline/the-canter-model.html

• http://www.behavioradvisor.com/AssertiveDiscipline.html

• http://www.teachermatters.com/classroom-discipline/models-of-discipline/the-canter-model.html