Misbehavior Scenario
If a student misbehaves in a classroom with a teacher using assertive discipline, the teacher will follow preset steps of action that have been outlined in their corrective action plan. Please watch this short movie. It shows a teacher using both positive reinforcement with students who are behaving, while at the same time following the corrective action plan for the misbehaving student.
(Editors' Note: There seems to be a technical problem with Xtranormal, which was used to create this video. Their site is currently experiencing problems (storm related? Unknown) and the issue cannot be addressed at the moment. The video is watchable but we just want to let you know that there are a couple of odd pauses in the middle of a couple of sentences. We are sorry if this in any way detracts from your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!)
(Editors' Note: There seems to be a technical problem with Xtranormal, which was used to create this video. Their site is currently experiencing problems (storm related? Unknown) and the issue cannot be addressed at the moment. The video is watchable but we just want to let you know that there are a couple of odd pauses in the middle of a couple of sentences. We are sorry if this in any way detracts from your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!)
In this scenario, the teacher was careful to not get into an argument or discussion with Henry. She did not want to discuss why Henry needs to follow the directions; she merely restated the consequences (increasing the consequences for each offense, as must have been stated in the corrective discipline plan). At the same time, this teacher demonstrated positive reinforcement by doing what Canter calls “behavioral narration” (Assertive Discipline 64).
Another Scenario - Your turn
Andrew is a 7th grade student who does not want to work in your class. He is very friendly toward you and quick to say, "Oops. I'm sorry!" when told that he is misbehaving, yet he goes back to the misbehavior, constantly chatting with his neighbors and giving very little effort to the assignment at hand. You have heard from other teachers that he does not seem to be fazed by the idea of detention. Using Assertive Discipline, what can you do to get Andrew to stop talking and start working?