Positive discipline orientation in classrooms- A comprehensive overview

Pages: 9-13
Nayanika Singh (Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala )

Disciplining students effectively has always been a longstanding challenge for educator’s and policy makers. The last decade of the 20th century had witnessed an increase in indiscipline and use of violent acts among youth both in and around classrooms. Researches document that in order to deal with such dangerous and disruptive behavior resorting to a zero tolerance approach/corporal punishment such as suspension; expulsion and punishment of any form in the long run has grave physical and psychological consequences; such as depression, delinquency, poor academic achievement, low cognitive capacity; eroding one’s self esteem and wellbeing. Educators need to strike a reasonable balance between kindness and firmness resorting to a child friendly and democratic approach centering on mutual respect, positive reinforcement, participative decision making, creating a culture of dignity and respect, which are building blocks of positive discipline orientation. The present paper attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the objectives and benefits of the same, laying special emphasis on incorporating positive discipline/teaching strategies( with focus on the age & stage of development) in classrooms for their effective management and consequential wellbeing of children.