Management strategies for establishing discipline in primary classrooms in a KwaZulu-Natal district

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the management strategies conducive to establishing constructive discipline for optimal learning. The study represented a case study conducted in a primary school in the Empangeni district of KwaZulu-Natal. An in-depth literature study was followed by an empirical investigation based on a qualitative research design employing focus group and individual interviews. The research findings revealed that optimal learning is achieved through effective classroom management practices promoting constructive discipline. A classroom environment in which constructive discipline prevails includes the organisation of the physical environment in a functional way, the consideration of instructional strategies such as teachers being well-prepared for the lesson, as well as class routines and procedures being well communicated. Based on the findings of the empirical investigation, and concurring with the findings from literature, recommendations were made regarding classroom management strategies for constructive discipline in order to arrange for optimal learning.