Jewels of Wisdom: A Study of Perceptions of Discipline of Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Student Teachers, and Undergraduate Education Majors Enrolled in Classroom Management Course (YOED 4000)

This study examined the perceptions of discipline held by practicing middle school and high school teachers, student teachers, and undergraduate education majors enrolled in a classroom management course. The study compared respondents' perceptions according to status, gender, years of experience, degree, and subject. Results showed significant gender differences in perception of discipline on the autocratic scale. Males had more autocratic perceptions than females. Student teachers had the strongest perceptions of discipline as being democratic, and high school teachers perceived discipline as being the least democratic. There were no significant differences between the degree subgroups with regard to autocratic perception of discipline, though differences existed between degree subgroups with regard to democratic perceptions of discipline. There were no significant differences between years of experience and perception of discipline or between subject area and perception of discipline. Three status subgroups exhibited significant differences in their responses to democratic discipline. Less experienced student teachers and undergraduate students indicated more democratic perceptions of discipline compared to high school teachers. The survey is appended. (SM)