As the summer weeks tick away, we start to focus increasing amounts of brain wattage toward the looming school year (and for a large number of colleagues classes begin teaching TODAY!). Among the countless details we face in preparation for the new season is the age-old question of classroom management (AKA “Discipline”). My experience has been that for our newest colleagues, this is at the top of their list of concerns.
It doesn’t matter whether the ink is still wet on your diploma or you are in your final year before retirement, our ability to maintain order in the classroom environment will have a significant impact on our success as choral conductors. Yes, we looked at this matter a couple weeks ago, but it's worth a little more conversation.
In his article, “A New/Old Look at Discipline and Classroom Management for Music Teachers” (Texas Sings, Vol. 26, No.1), Glen T. Miller examines a methodology that provides “an effective way to handle discipline with very little teacher stress.”
“A positive approach to discipline that allows for mutual respect will always win out over heavy-handed measures on the part of a teacher. When students make mistakes, they should certainly be held accountable but in a way that promotes taking personal responsibility for their actions, rather than the use of punishments that are ineffective for bringing about long-term changes in behavior.”
(To access the full article, simply click the highlighted title. For additional articles on a dazzling array of choral topics, visit ChorTeach.)
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