Classroom discipline

It is important to establish your classroom rules at the very beginning of the school year.

Keep the rules simple and clear, for example:

• Raise your hand if you want to ask a question.
• Always ask if you don't understand.
• Don't shout or talk over your classmates.
• Listen to your classmates' opinions.
• Take turns when playing games.
• Help your classmates if they find something difficult.
• Always ask if you want to borrow something.

If you want behavior to be counted in the final grade, it is better to reserve some points from the total rather than adjusting grades for objective assessments (tests, exams, homework). For example, if you are grading out of 100, you can reserve 10 points for behavior. Students who get a perfect score on an exam but whose conduct has not been very good would obtain a maximun of 90 points. Students who have been cooperative and well-behaved but who are not especially bright or good at exams have the possibility of obtaining 10 extra points for conduct.