Dereck Jackson is a phenomenon in South African education. He is an excellent speaker, whose talks actually has practical relevance.
Here is the summary of a talk Jackson did back in 1999 (but still a classic) on disciplining learners with special education needs in the classroom:
Selected quotes from his talk:
"No child has the right to disrupt the classroom.""It is the duty of the teacher to protect the right of the other children to learn.""In the absence of power in a classroom, a leader will arise - and it will not be the model pupil."SECONDARY FUNCTIONS OF DISCIPLINE:
Why are you teaching disabled children? If you expect gratitude from your pupils, you are bound to be disappointed. "In spite of children not wanting to learn, you must teach in such a way that they want to be taught".Project a positive attitude, a good self image, also in your appearance and clothing.Plan your lessons very well. Teach intensively for about 10 minutes, have the pupils work for 20 minutes under your direct supervision - not from your desk.Be passionate about your subject - you have unbelievable power to influence your pupils. Re-kindle your passion for teaching.PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF DISCIPLINE:
Phase I - Establish Rules in Your Classroom: You must have order, structure and routine.
One non-negotiable rule: "I am the boss!" (teacher)Get pupils well organized, organize school bag, regular case inspections.Negotiate other rules with pupils, essential rules are:
Only one person speaks at a time, except when doing group work.Class must be on time (also the teacher).Assignments must be done on time (also the marking done by the teacher).Only leave the desk with permission.Do not borrow anyone's property without permission.Do not destroy any property, including your own.Respect everyone.Pupils who can, should stand when directly addressed by an adult visitor to the class.When the teacher speaks to an adult visitor to the class, there should be silence and order in the class.Phase II - Take Command: How to give instruction/reprimand.
Speak in a commanding voice, be assertive.Even when dealing with whole class, target, name and make eye contact with the trouble maker.Maintain your dignity, do not lose your temper or scream.Communication must be clear and direct.Come forward (assertively) when you reprimand.[Name a trouble maker] [Place command in a time frame] [Be polite]
Example: "
Karabo, come up to my desk
now,
please!"
[Commanding tone of voice, forward body position]
Phase III - Disciplinary Actions
General: Work according to a "zero tolerance" regime, do not threaten - act!
Command - Action! Command - Action! Command - Action!
Offer to help.Have learner learn something useful off by heart (but keep memory problems in mind).Community service.Use a time-out desk outside the classroom for short periods (5 min), pupil must still be able to see lesson, but not to take part socially in classroom activities.Use peer pressure.Involve the parents.Dereck Jackson's closing words for teachers:
"The woods are lovely and dark and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep."
From a poem by Robert Frost
It goes without saying that any teacher who wants good discipline in the classroom first has to heed President Zuma's words (slightly adapted):
"Teachers should be in school, in class, on time, teaching enthusiastically, with no neglect of duty."
