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President David O. Mckay stated, "Discipline in the classroom, which implies self-control, and which connotes consideration for others, is the most important part of teaching...Disorderly conduct should not be permitted in any class in the Church" (Guidance of a Human Soul - "The Teacher's Greatest Responsibility," Instructor, Sept. 1965, p.341).
Most of the time disorderly conduct can be eliminated if teachers prepare and present interesting lessons. These types of lessons begin when teachers become confident and excited about teaching their students the principles, doctrines, and events in the scripture block. Elder Boyd K. Packer said: "The easiest way to have control over those whom you teach is to teach them something - to feed them. Be well prepared and have an abundance of subject matter organized and ready to serve. There is no substitute for this preparation. As long as you are feeding the students well, few discipline problems will occur" (Teach Ye Diligently, p. 153).
There are times when students misbehave even with well-prepared lessons. Students act inappropriately to see the teacher's reaction. Other students misbehave because they have not learned appropriate behavior. When students disrupt learning or distract the influence of the Spirit, you should correct them in a firm, fair, and friendly manner.
Firm Means Resolve
Firm means to correct quickly and with resolve. The students must feel that you are serious about having order in the class. This does not mean that you are angry or lose control of your emotions.
Fair Means Consistency
Fair means that you are consistent. If you correct one student and not another for the same problem, you send the message that you have favorites or that you are not serious about the problem.
Friendly Means Caring
Friendly means that you remain happy and caring with your students. You do not say or do anything that will jeopardize your relationship with them. For example, if a student is talking out of turn, you might say with a smile on your face, "Jacob, one at a time please," and then continue with the lesson. If a student is passing a note you might shake your head and softly say, "Mykell, not in here, thank you," and continue with the lesson.
When students do things that distract from the Spirit, correct them in a firm, fair, and friendly manner. With a day or two, you will have established, without having a formal rule-setting session, the appropriate and expected behavior for the rest of the year.
Occasionally you may have to talk to a student privately about his or her inappropriate behavior. It is never a good idea to confront a student in front of his peers. Suppose you have asked a student two or three times to stop talking. Give the class members a reading assignment. Quietly approach the student and ask him to come with you outside of the classroom. When you are alone with the student, ask him if he is willing to stop talking. If he says no, then you may have to ask him to do a study assignment outside of class in another room for the rest of the period.
Talk with the student again after class. Determine if he is willing to change his behavior. If he is not, you will need to consult with the seminary principal and the student's parents. When you talk to students about their behavior, it is important for them to know that although their behavior is not appropriate, they are still important people who are needed in the class.
In extreme cases, and only after consulting with the parents, you may need to ask the student not to attend seminary for a period of time.
Guidelines
1. Correct students' inappropriate behaviors in a firm, fair, and friendly manner.
2. Talk to the student privately if his or her inappropriate behavior continues.
3. Talk to the principal and/or the student's parents if the student's behavior does not improve.
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