Remember that students need to feel valued and welcomed. They need to know that you have an honest interest in each one of them, not only as a class, but also as individuals.
• Be consistent; establish the rules and stick to them.
• Consequences should be fair and consistently applied.
• Be prepared for the students who will test the rules.
• Do not threaten students with a consequence unless you are ready to carry it out. Students will view you as inconsistent if you fail to do what you say.
• Do not be judgmental; look at each situation from all angles before you designate a consequence.
• Never put off discipline. Handle any behavioral problem when it occurs.
• Make sure students understand the rules and the consequences. Students need to know how to behave in any given situation. With some students, you may want to do role-playing at the beginning of each course. In this way, students will see what is expected of them and see the consequences being applied.
• Show a true interest in all of the students. Each one needs to be treated as an individual and with respect, not just another student. When giving praise to any student, use his or her name with the praise. Nothing pleases students more than to hear their names used in a good light.
• Implement well-planned lessons. Know what you are going to teach and be well prepared.