Retention
When being easy with the students they think that they can take control of the class and get away with everything. You have to be tough but flexable this shows that your in charge but understanding in their needs.
How do you decide what's a "hanging offense" and what you will handle with a warning? How do you assure equal treatment? Do you discuss this with your colleagues to gain some consensus on how everyone will handle similar situations?
Yes I agree being too strict can have a negative out come so depending on the severity of the infraction the student needs to be given a warning and if the problem continues yes act accordingly.
ive found that being really strict and downgrading them for minor rule violations tends to disengage them and form resentment, give a warning first and if problem behavior continues then act accordingly
I agree, if you are too easy on the students they may also look at a teacher as a friend instead of a mentor.
