Students’ reaction to classroom discipline in Australia, Israel, and China

This study investigates the extent to which students from Australia, Israel, and China report that their teachers’ classroom disciplinary behaviour affects their attitudes towards schoolwork and the teacher. They also report how justifiable a teacher's intervention appeared. In all three settings, both punishment and aggression relate significantly to the level of students’ distraction and negative affect towards the teacher. Teachers’ recognition of responsible behaviour and discussion with students relate to less distraction and greater belief that the intervention was necessary. Hinting and the involvement of students in classroom discipline decision making relate to a stronger belief that the disciplinary actions taken are warranted. Implications are discussed.