Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Inconsistent Disciplining I am a student teacher and I have volunteered to participate in a special group of student teachers who are interested in teaching in diverse settings. One of the participants in our first group meeting was telling us about her disciplinary methods. When the white children in her class misbehave she sternly reprimands them because, she believes, they know the rules and they know what they are supposed to do. However, when the seven African American students misbehave, she gives them another chance because she wants them to know she cares. I have to react to this person and perhaps explain to her what the consequences of her action could be. What should I do and say? I am not even sure if her methods are actually good or bad. Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) As an educator, she must remain consistent. She needs to enforce the rules in the same manner with all of the students. Inconsistency is a major downfall with classroom management, and you don't want to lose control of your classroom because of it. I believe that all of the students are aware of the rules, not just the white ones. The other seven may have simply found a way to play her. She may need to set a date and announce that changes will start on that date. At this point in the school year, everyone should understand and follow the rules, unless they want to suffer the consequences of their actions.