Write clear classroom rules that require no interpretation. Include specific rules, such as turn your phones off when you enter the classroom, ask for permission before leaving the classroom for any reason or clean your desk area before you leave the classroom. If you include general rules, make sure that you write them clearly, with specific elements. For instance, you may write "Respect other student's opinion in the class by listening when they speak, considering what they are saying and responding to the statement without making personal attacks to the speaker." Explain and discuss each rule on the first day of class, and let your students ask you questions about activities that may violate your classroom rules.
Reinforce your students' compliance with your rules with affirming statements as well as specified benefits listed on your list of rules. Make sure the advantages for complying with your rules are clear. As an example, you may specify that if each student treats fellow students with respect, as per your rules, during the week, you will give each student five bonus points on the next quiz. Make sure that you comply with your promised benefits for good behavior, showing your students that you are complying with your responsibilities from the rules.
Design specific punishments for each broken rule, but make sure your punishments are fair and reasonable. Handle discipline in a straightforward and matter-of-fact method by telling the offending student how they broke the rule and exactly what their punishment will be, based on the rules you handed out. For instance, you may decide that if a student leaves class without permission, they must return to your classroom at the end of class day and help you clean your classroom. Stand by your punishments and assert them equally to each student who breaks your rules.
As a teacher in an assertive classroom management model, you are the leader of your class. Show your students how to follow your rules, by demonstrating them yourself. As an example, you can show your students how to be respectful of student comments by treating each comment as you describe in your rules. Follow and enforce your rules consistently, as your goal is for your students to make behavior decisions based on punishments and benefits they can count on, such as knowing that if they leave class without permission, they will face the punishment you assigned.