1. Cooperative Discipline
A Theory of Classroom Management Created by
Linda Albert

2. Overview We can influence, but not control, student behavior
Emphasis on teaching students the “3 Cs”:
Connecting, Contributing, and feeling Capable
Strategies for dealing with 4 causes of misbehavior:
Attention, Power, Revenge, and Avoidance of Failure

3. Encouragement via the 3 Cs
Capable
Create environment where students can make mistakes without fear
Focus on improvement and past success
Make learning objectives reachable
Contribute
Make students feel they make a difference
Involve students in maintaining the classroom [class meetings, cooperative learning groups, peer tutoring]
Connect
Develop positive relations with teacher and classmates

4. Dealing with Misbehavior Related to Attention
Use eye contact
Use proximity
Ask a direct question or use student’s name while continuing lesson
Give praise to nearby student who is on task

5. Dealing with Misbehavior Related to Power
Avoid direct confrontation by agreeing with student or changing subject
Acknowledge student power and state your actions
Change the activity, do something unexpected, or initiate a new class discussion on topic of interest
Give student choice of doing as told or get a time out

6. Dealing with Misbehavior Related to Revenge
Revoke a privilege
Build caring relationship with affirmative statements:
“You’re okay, but your choice of behavior is not”
Require the return, repair, or replacement of damaged articles
Involve school personnel or parents if necessary

7. Dealing with Misbehavior Related to Avoidance of Failure
Acknowledge difficulty of assigned task but remind student of past success
Modify instruction and materials
Teach “I can” instead of “I can’t” by recognizing achievements
Provide peer tutors, or ask the student to help someone else to build confidence

8. Things not to do Raise your voice Insist on having the last word
Use sarcasm or act superior
Attack a student’s character
Plead or bribe
Back a student into a corner
Bring up unrelated events