Securing a Safe Setting
Contrary to common belief, I am at least 90%-95% of the security in my classroom. My biggest approach can be summed up as showing an authoritative, but also a caring, demeanor. It takes a little bit of work and a bit of balance. But it works well for me and I think probably for most people, if it’s done consistently. If I can overcome their poor attitudes, then discipline is obviously easier.
Often, people think since I teach adults, classroom discipline must be easier than when working with teens. In reality, many of these men are physically grown, but are still mentally equivalent to young teens. I have found by observing their behaviors, I can come pretty close to figuring out at what age they began using alcohol and/or drugs. Their achievement test scores give me the second clue.
