Diffusing Power

As a teacher I realize I have different types of power in the classroom and in my relationships with my students. There are types of power that I can not diffuse. I can not let the power I have to discipline students be diffused. Other students should not be allowed to disipline their fellow students if classroom or school rules are broken. This can lead to resentment and can cause the classroom atmosphere to deteriorate very quickly. Anyways, students "punish" other students via exclusion and peer pressure to conform. I have to be perceived to be the main arbitrator when misbehaviour occurs. My subject (Socials Studies) has a curriculum that is rigid, and for the most part does not allow for improvisation. Little can be changed. Thus, I can not diffuse power to the students to choose what they wish to learn. I can do my best to incorporate their ideas to fit the IRP and the PLO's. I can diffuse power to the students in the layout of the classroom and what goes on the walls and billboards. As well, I can diffuse power to the students in formulating class rules where the students can decide what is considered proper behaviour and what is not. Furthermore, as a new instuctor I feel I have to be more in control of the classroom environment until I am confident enough to believe that students will not take advantage of being given some say in the running of the classroom. Eventually, I believe I must diffuse power so that students have a higher sense of belonging to the class and to school. This will benefit me because students may become more interested in learning and there maybe less classroom management issues.