Focus on Education Where–Oh–Where Did the Discipline Go? By: Anthony Pellegrino

Years ago I realized that the first lesson of learning Is discipline. Without discipline there can not be any learning. Test this fact at home, in your work place, or in any situation. Without discipline there is chaos and waste. Discipline, both internal and external, leads to proficiency and high performance. Unfortunately many parents and teachers fall short of enforcing good sound discipline at home and in the schools. As a result valuable learning time is wasted. Is it any wonder that many students do not do well in their studies?

Whenever a discussion is held about accountability and performance in school achievement, rarely does anyone check the level of discipline that the student, the parent and the teacher practices. The argument is always that we need more money, more teachers, more this or more that. Yet sound discipline doesn’t cost any money. It merely demands that the three parties cooperate in a manner that insists that the student puts in his time properly on the assignments that he has to do.

Schools try to discipline through school rules designed to protect children and tc ensure order so that every student will have an equal opportunity for education. Students cannot learn if they are afraid of violence. For that reason, school rules are strict about fighting, theft or extortion and vandalism.

Alcohol, illegal drugs and other activities such as gambling, cheating and taking immoral indecent liberties with another student are also strictly prohibited. Dress codes dictate appropriate attire for school. Attire should be clean and not so unusual that it disrupts learning activHies. There are also many other rules which are implemented to maintain a semblance of discipline. But what al~out the lax discipline we experience daily at home and in the classroom which does not violate any of the set rules.

In too many classrooms students sometimes waste perhaps more than 50% of the class time goofing off. They wander around the room talking to one another. Others look around totally bored just waiting for the bell to ring. Meanwhile the teacher tries to show one or two students how to solve a problem. Who is to blame for this situation?

No, I am not stating that all teachers allow lax discipline. But I am indicting the teachers who allow lax discipline in the classroom. They are more like baby sitters. When firm discipline is not there learning is not either.

At home discipline should also be a prime concern of the parents. Television should be controlled as to amount of time spent viewing as well as to type of programs. A definite place and time for study should be set. Monitoring of homework and reading should be in place. Few distraction and few excuses should be allowed that prevent the child from doing his work.

Someone is thinking, ” Yea, it is easy to say that, but try telling my child that. I can’t control him/her.” What a sad commentary for that parent to make that. Does this parent practice discipline at work? Without discipline in the workplace what can we expect in the home.

Note ths common link of successful athletes, academic achievers, and winners in all fields of endeavor a good discipline. Otherwise how could any of them overcome the struggles to success. A failing child is a child without mental and physical discipline.

Yes, higher academic standards can be achieved. But unfortunately too many of us are not willing to pay the price for good discipline. Change in attitude is the price. A student who has not learned good discipline will never succeed in school, in the workplace and in life.