7. Avoid arguments. A teacher who is firm and fair does not move in on a situation until the right time, and this basically means that this teacher knows what is happening. Under these circumstances, it serves no constructive purpose for the teacher to engage in a prolonged argument with one or more students. Let us examine two ways to handle a common situation. Teacher A suspects that, on a test, Paul is trying to copy off Billy’s paper. Teacher A observes closely, becomes convinced that her suspicions are true, and unobtrusively moves Paul to a different seat. Nothing is said, and the other students do not even observe that Paul has moved. Teacher B, facing the same situation,airs her suspicions to the class, engages in a lengthy argument with Paul regarding his conduct, and then sends him to the principal’s office for insubordination. The merits of Teacher A’s methods are obvious.