Disciplining students in the modern classroom carries its share of controversy.  Some argue, teachers should maintain strict control of the environment, while others might say that treating students like prisoners breeds a prison mentality. 

The teachers at Pembroke Academy, however, vary in their approaches to class discipline. 

Ms. Boisvert, an exceptional services teacher, said her classroom rules are designed so students clearly understand her expectations. 

“Being strict is more effective than being laid back at times,” Ms. Boisvert said. “If students know what to expect, they will rise to it.” 

Being strict, however, can have its problems. 

While strict rules can push students to be productive in class, it can also cause a lost connection between student and teacher. “The downside of being strict in a classroom setting is that students may have the wrong perception of you,” said Ms. Boisvert. “Everybody starts calling you names, and it can be hard to deal with that sometimes.” 

For the social studies teacher Mr. Bernard, a strong connection between him and his students comes naturally. His laid-back teaching style makes him a student favorite. 

 “Any [teacher] is capable of trying either style, but one flows more naturally,” Mr. Bernard said. “Being laid-back definitely comes more naturally for me.”

The downside of being permissive is that some students may not focus on their responsibility and respect the student/teacher boundaries. While there is nothing with having fun in class, it becomes a problem when the students fail to realize that learning is also work.

It comes down to this: one style is not better than the other. In fact, it’s recommended that there should be a balance when it comes to class discipline. Students should understand the rules while creating a strong bond between them and their teachers.  

“It really depends on the student when it comes to these type of things. Different styles work for different students,” Mr Bernard said.