Introduction
A well-managed classroom can provide an exciting and dynamic learning
experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately, student behavior can often interfere
with this process. Classroom discipline plays a large part in today's educational system.
Teachers feel overwhelmed and "powerless" in dealing with behavior problems in their
classrooms. Canter (1997) explained, in the past, a simple stem look or warning was
sufficient to shape up a classroom. Then, because ofthe social and political upheavals of
the late '60s and early '70s, the respect and deference granted any authority figure-from
the president to police officers to doctors, and even teachers- dramatically declined. That
is why it is so important to find a behavior management approach to fit the needs ofthe
teacher and the students. This chapter investigates four areas that may assist teachers in
promoting a positive learning environment for all students. These areas include: how
behavior theorists influenced classroom management, approaches for managing student
behavior, criteria for creating well-designed rules, and steps for planning a rule
management plan.