THEORIES OF ASSERTIVE

DISCIPLINE
(Lee Canter and Marlene Canter)
LEE CANTER
(teacher)

MARLENE CANTER
(social worker specializing in special
education)

Lee Canter and Marlene Canter found that
many teachers were unable to manage the
undesirable behaviour that occurred in their
classrooms.
Based on their investigation and research,
they developed assertive disciplines.
Assertive discipline is a systematic and
objective way of ensuring a teacher-
controlled classroom.


DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION
It is also called the "take-control" approach to
teaching, as the teacher controls their
classroom in a firm but positive manner.
This theory requires teachers to be assertive
rather than passive or hostile(teacher-
controlled).


The teacher creates a set of behaviour rules
for the class and a set of negative
consequences that result if the rules are not
followed.
Example: Persistent use of first-language
establish a set of class rules and develop a penalty
system for when they use their first-language
GOALS/OBJECTIVES
To allow teachers to engage students in the
learning process uninterrupted by students
misbehaviour(eg: overly dependent on
teacher, does not show interest in learning
English)
To help teachers become the captains of their
classrooms and positively influence their
students' behaviour.


THREE RESPONSES STYLE
Non-assertive
passive
Used by teachers
who fail to establish
clear standards of
behaviour
Eg: You are talking
again without
raising your hand
Hostile
Use threats and
sarcasm
Has potentials for
emotional harm and
possible abuse
Eg:Do that again,
Nelson, and see
what you
get(teasing friend
who cant
pronounce word
correctly)
Assertive
explains what
behaviour is
unacceptable and
acceptable.
The consequences
of various behaviors
are made clear to
the students.
Eg: Dont answer
unless you raise
your hands and I call
on you.

APPROACHES/STRATEGIES
Decide which rules (4 or 5 are best) you wish
to implement in your classroom.
Raise up their hands when answering the question, do not
disturb others, speak in English, be quiet when teacher is
speaking
Determine negative consequences for
noncompliance
Time-out, extra homework,
Determine positive consequences for
appropriate behaviour.
Verbal praise, giving stars


List the rules on the board along with
the positive and negative
consequences.
Have the students write the rules and
take them home to be signed by the
parents and returned.


Strengths
Foundation of mutual trust
and positive relationships
with students and earn their
respect
Develop good class control
Student expectations are
clearly stated
Rules and limitations are
also clearly stated

Weaknesses
Theories will not work
without positive
relationships and respect
from teacher and students.
Teaching style may not fit
the needs of all students
Can be a bad way to start
off the year
Teachers can become over
controlling

Strengths
No interruption from
students during teaching &
learning session.
Simple and well-structured
plan.
Teachers are in power to
control the students.
Weaknesses
Minimal students
interaction.
Limited to three types of
teacher.
This approach fails to
promote self-direction in
students.
Students are not allowed to
give ideas.
Strengths
Punishment will make
students avoid breaking
rules and positive
reinforcement will
encourage good behaviour.
Positive, caring, and
productive classroom
environment

Weaknesses
The practice of warning
students by putting their
names on the board may
entice some students to
misbehave who otherwise
would not.
Negative consequences or
punishment stimulates
rebellion and promotes the
very behavior it is designed to
eliminate.
HOW TO BE PRACTICAL IN
CLASSROOM?

DISCIPLINE


- Set an example and start discipline from the
beginning.
- Be firm in classroom
management.
- E.g : Make Learn A
Word A Day as a class
routine.


Start Being Consistent With Discipline and
Classroom Routine
ESTABLISH


- Explain why rules & consequences are
needed, teach and review the rules frequently
- E.g : Always remind
and encourage students
to use English.


Familiarise students with the plan
CONSISTENT


Develop a consistent rules & procedures
BALANCE




Maintain a careful balance between
penalties for misbehaviours/ errors and
positive reinforcement
Social reinforces
words, smiles,
praises
Positive notes
Special awards/
privileges
Verbal Warning
Time out
Detention
Parental Phone
Establishing Rewards
Establishing
Consequences
DONT BE BIASED!
Avoid showing favoritism towards particular
students.

Application of the Model
Maria is quite docile in class. She does little
socializing with other students and rarely
show interest in learning English. She is
physically present but makes little effort or
contribution in learning and using English.
Uncooperative student

1. Make the class expectations clear to Maria.
2. Give rewards and positive comments whenever Maria
made any improvement.
3. Provide a language-rich environment skits, role play,
language games
4. Deal with errors appropriately.
5. Be consistent when you follow through with
consequences. (e.g : when Maria keep on using Malay )
References
http://www.behavioradvisor.com/AssertiveDiscipl
ine.html
http://www.teachermatters.com/classroom-
discipline/models-of-discipline/the-canter-
model.html
http://www.behavioradvisor.com/AssertiveDiscipl
ine.html
http://www.teachermatters.com/classroom-
discipline/models-of-discipline/the-canter-
model.html