"Climate Control" by Gerry Cernicky

During most of its 22 year existence , the Annual Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitude Toward the Schools has identified "lack of discipline" as the most serious problem facing the educational system .

DISCIPLINE is training that is expected to produce a specified character or pattern of behavior or controlled behavior resulting from such training . There are many models claiming the cure all to this national problem. These models focus on preventive discipline and the techniques and strategies to prevent the occurrence of problems in the first place. This implementation scans many ideas from shaping desired behavior , good choices, being assertive, effective body language and positive instructional support .

Physical educators are arguably the most important and influential teachers to gain the children's compliance as a part of developmental discipline. This may be accomplished with a myriad of devices : A star system can be developed using discipline, staying on task, following directions and respect for others. "Doing Something Special Award" stipulates that a coupon be given to each child that shows a random act of kindness. A GIMME FIVE certificate displays positive reinforcement for correct use of hands, eyes , ears, mouth and brain.

Even though all these and similar programs are developmentally appropriate, it must be noted that a cross section of all these ideas are only effective if the focus is on helping children understand and empathize with the situation and experience of others. It is important that the students realize that acts of kindness don't get misconstrued with behavior that should be expected. Where else but the gymnasiums and multi-purpose rooms can all these behaviors be displayed in a positive, climate control?

Physical educators seem to be the most popular teachers in the school system . By providing the students with innovative lessons, creativivity, enthusiasm and internet technoogy, physical educators can exemplfy all that is credible in the educational process.

WE must make our lessons FUN and so exciting that the students will beg not to leave our class. This control is the force behind the child's recognition and acceptance of the teacher as the legitamate authority. By using challenges, extending tasks, informing students of progress and adding a constant variety of lessons, the teacher can reduce the incidence of misbehavior and contribute to a positive learning environment.

Teachers should insist on responsible behavior and when they fail , it is due to poor class control. By setting the stage there are a number of things that the teacher can do to have appropriate class management: SET UP THE SPACE to facilitate learning and movement; talk to parents to gain their support; be aware of the nature of disruptions so that responses are appropriate; rules must be simple, clear and posted; the rules must be taught as carefully as any other lesson and retaught at the beginning of each activity and these rules must be enforced consistently, calmly and promptly .

Gerry Cernicky

Send comments on this article to Gerry Cernicky