Customer Reviews

Assertive Discipline, 3rd Edition: Positive Behavior Management for Today's Classroom

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just completed my first year of teaching and every classroom management mistake I made was played out in the chapters of this book. I could have just changed the names and been reading a memoir! The system that Canter proposes is simple and flexible. I can see my student's benefiting from a much more positive and supportive teacher next year.

I have been teaching for 20 years. My first two were in middle school, next two in high school, and both since then. I took the Lee Cantor Assertive Discipline course after my second year since my third year would be high school & also for the credits. What a mistake.
The program approaches discipline on one hand from a reward standpoint, and that is good, although absolutely nothing beats intrinsic motivation. I learned on my own & from advice from veteran teachers that being well-prepared & enthusiastic sets a good example. Praise is great. External rewards are lower on the proverbial totem pole.
This program also called for extremely strict consequences: 1 strike- warning, 2 strikes- phone call, 3 strikes- office, for example. Before implementing it, I spoke to the Assistant principal, as the course instructor said I should. He said that it was too regimented & that I should leave more room for flexibility. I disagreed in my own mind, but just thanked him for listening & tried the program. It was terrible. TERRIBLE. I have since spent many years teaching and, thank God, found success, but he was right. Consistency and follow through are important, as are consequences, but this program left little space for flexibility & often backed the teacher into a corner.
I have spoken with friends who teach on the elementary level, one elementary special ed, and they really liked it. After some discussion, we came to the agreement that it is better suited to those levels/grades.
The best way to deal with discipline problems is to be proactive. Avoid them by proper seating, good lesson planning, and positive feedback & setting an enthusiastic example. When they do occur, deal with matters swiftly, but keep some flexibility. Of course, various situations differ, so speak with other colleagues & try things until you find what works for you, your personality & your situation. I believe that no step by step "recipe" works for every person.

Good constructive ideas for classroom management. Supports the seminars.

Well written with some solid ideas for discipline. Supports his workshops.