Chapter 2 The Effect of School and Teacher Imposed Rules
Chapter 2 The Effect of School and Teacher Imposed Rules
Learners
Introduction
Rules and regulations play a fundamental role in shaping school environments and
student behavior. Schools implement rules to maintain discipline, promote academic
excellence, and ensure the safety of learners (Bear, 2020). Teacher-imposed
regulations further define classroom expectations and help foster a structured learning
environment. However, these rules can have both positive and negative effects on
learners’ academic achievement, social development, and psychological well-being
(Wentzel & Brophy, 2018).
Rules instill discipline in learners, teaching them the importance of responsibility and
self-regulation. According to Elias and Leverett (2021), structured school environments
help learners develop time management skills, respect for authority, and accountability,
which are essential life skills.
Regulations such as anti-bullying policies, dress codes, and attendance policies create
a safe and supportive learning environment. Research by Smith and Sandhu (2020)
highlights that schools with clear behavioral expectations report lower incidences of
violence and peer victimization, thus promoting students’ psychological well-being.
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4. Encouraging Ethical and Moral Development
Rules help learners understand social norms and ethical conduct. By enforcing honesty,
respect, and integrity in the classroom, teachers contribute to moral development and
citizenship education (Lickona, 2019).
Strict school rules may limit students’ ability to think independently and exercise
creativity. Overly rigid regulations can create a culture of fear and compliance rather
than fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Ryan & Deci, 2020).
Highly regulated environments with punitive discipline strategies may increase stress
among learners. Research by Suldo, Shaunessy-Dedrick, and Ferron (2018) indicates
that excessive academic and behavioral expectations can contribute to student anxiety,
reducing motivation and overall well-being.
Rules such as uniform policies and speech regulations may suppress students’ ability to
express themselves. A study by Baumrind (2021) found that excessive restrictions on
self-expression can negatively impact students' confidence and identity development.
Conclusion
References
Lickona, T. (2019). Educating for character: How schools can teach respect and
responsibility. Bantam Books.
Osher, D., Kidron, Y., Brackett, M., Dymnicki, A., Jones, S., & Weissberg, R. P.
(2019). Advancing the science and practice of social and emotional learning:
Looking back and moving forward. Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 1-29.
Skiba, R. J., Arredondo, M. I., & Williams, N. T. (2020). Are zero-tolerance policies
effective in the schools? An evidentiary review and recommendations. American
Psychological Association.
Smith, P. K., & Sandhu, D. (2020). Bullying: Theory, research, and intervention.
Cambridge University Press.
Suldo, S. M., Shaunessy-Dedrick, E., & Ferron, J. M. (2018). Predicting high school
students’ academic achievement using self-report indicators of psychological
well-being. School Psychology Quarterly, 33(1), 37-50.