Strategies for Fostering Self- Discipline in Students

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“Strategies for Fostering Self – Discipline in Students”. Introduction From its inception, a primary goal of education has been to develop self – discipline among students (Smith, 2003, p.86 ). The Collins Online English Dictionary (2006) has defined self – discipline as “the act of controlling or power to control one’s own feelings, desires or behaviour”. Self – discipline may be best seen as exhibiting socially and morally responsible behaviour. Aylward states …discipline teaches a child how to behave, so as to enhance socialization. It is instruction that is instilled in the child, versus rigidly imposed on him, the goal being to have the child subsequently develop his or her own self discipline (2003, p. 21). Self - discipline coincides with another very important educational objective, to create and maintain a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning (Gilman et al, 2009, p.486). Self – discipline keeps pupils safe, reduces stress for teachers and contributes to a welcoming and caring environment in which pupils can develop as people and both pupils and teachers can do their best work. All of these goals are interrelated and equally important. In recent years, however, research has shown that the first goal, developing self – discipline, has largely been overshadowed by educators’ focus on the second, managing and correcting misbehaviour (Arum, 2003, pp.160 – 162). Rather than creating more effective schools, this imbalance actually undermines school safety, the ability of teachers to teach and efforts to instil in students the self – directed discipline they need to become productive, responsible citizens in society (Arum, 2003, pp.168 - 172). This essay will consider various research - supported strategies designed to foster self – discipline in students. The focus will be mainly on the inculcation of

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