Is there a way to "discipline" adult learners? (901C)

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Classroom Discipline Chatboard

Is there a way to "discipline" adult learners? (901C)

by Kb

Sep 22, 2014

H,

There is a significant difference between classroom discipline for K-12 and for college students. But what about the "adult learner", mostly college educated, some with advanced degrees? Is there a need for classroom discipline? If so, what would be the best way to institute that structure?

My idea would be to leverage the class dynamic and empower the learners to police each other. I also happen to think that works will with younger learners.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thank you,

Kevin b.

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Seth Johnson With upper level learners I have a history of ignoring improper behavior and talking to them after class. Any public discipline just creates more open hostility in my experience.

On 9/22/14, Kb wrote: > H, > > There is a significant difference between classroom > discipline for K-12 and for college students. But what > abou...See More

Sep 26, 2014

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JenFnyc Kevin and Seth,

I posted on another thread about the "self-policing" of the class, which is wonderful when it's available... and that's of course a best-case scenario.

I agree with Seth that the last thing you want is more hostility. To flip this around, I had a question for the instructor before a class recently. She was very d...See More

Sep 26, 2014

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Josh H. erhaps a way to approach this issue of disciplining the adult learner is to try to minimize the behaviors that would cause the need for disciplining before they happen. After reading your two posts, I did a little digging through the good ol' online library and I came across a wonderful study by Crumley and Schutz that explores the use of mindfulne...See Moreerhaps a way to approach this issue of disciplining the adult learner is to try to minimize the behaviors that would cause the need for disciplining before they happen. After reading your two posts, I did a little digging through the good ol' online library and I came across a wonderful study by Crumley and Schutz that explores the use of mindfulness training at the beginning of class and after breaks to aid with keeping adult learners focused (2011).

At these times the repeated the following statements and had the adult learners follow along (Crumley & Schutz, 2011, p. 38):

"Sit up straight in your chair, with your feet flat onthe floor." "Empty your hands and then place them anywhere that is comfortable." "Now, close your eyes and listen for my instructions:" "With your eyes still closed, I want you to begin by simply observing your thoughts right now, wherever they are taking you ... but I don't want you to make any judgments about those thoughts ... I simply want you to take notice of them." [The amount of time dedicated to this first task was typically 15-45seconds in duration.] "Now I want you to gently move your thinking and become aware of your breathing, and I want you to consciously regularize your breathing so that it is nice and smooth." [The second task averaged 15-30 seconds in duration.] "Now I want you to consciously move your thinking one more time, this time bringing it back to this classroom. I'm going to count backwards from five, and when I get to one, I want you to open your eyes and be fully present in the classroom, right here and right now. Five ... four ... three ... two ... one. Open your eyes." [The third task took 30-45 seconds tocomplete.]

The results showed that not only was this very effective at fostering greater focus, but also most participants said they would bring this activity back into their workplace as a part of their daily practice.

What do you think of this method? I was pretty excited by it and thought I may use this in one or two of my workshops.

Josh

References Crumley, G., & Schutz, H. (2011). Short-duration mindfulness training with adult learners. Lifelong Learning, the Adult Years / Adult Education Association of the United States of America, 22(2), 37–42.

Sep 27, 2014

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