Teachers' classroom discipline and student misbehavior in Australia, China and Israel

This paper reports students' perceptions of the classroom discipline strategies utilized in Australia, China and Israel. It examines data from 748 teachers and 5521 students to identify how teachers' use of various disciplinary strategies, and the extent to which these relate to student misbehavior, differ in three national settings. In general, Chinese teachers appear less punitive and aggressive than do those in Israel or Australia and more inclusive and supportive of students' voices. Australian classrooms are perceived as having least discussion and recognition and most punishment. In all settings greater student misbehavior relates only to increased use of aggressive strategies. Implications are discussed.