Classroom Management Philosophy and Theories
There are many different theories and philosophies regarding classroom management, and one thing many teachers aim to do over the course of their careers is to develop their own personal classroom management philosophy.Links to an external site. The overarching theories of classroom managementLinks to an external site. inform teachers and administrators as they go about their daily routines and interactions with students.
One important theorist of classroom management is Thomas Gordon,Links to an external site. whose ideas also guide social and emotional curricula. Gordon believed in the primacy of positive relationships, making I-statements when resolving conflicts, and developing a personal investment in the classroom community.
Glasser's Choice theoryLinks to an external site. teaches students to set personal goals and make choices that will help them meet those goals. This theory places a great deal of emphasis on student autonomy and motivation to learn.
Ginott's Congruent Communication theoryLinks to an external site. holds that students will ultimately behave as their teachers do, so when teachers behave appropriately, students will model that type of behavior consistently.
Finally, Harry Wong's theory of classroom managementLinks to an external site. focuses on establishing routines and community early in the school year prior to focusing on learning or having fun. This approach tends to be popular with teachers because it includes hands-on advice for struggling practitioners.
There are plenty of options when it comes to theories and philosophies of classroom management. As a teacher, the key is to identify the values important to you and brainstorm how to incorporate them in the classroom (while also adhering to the goals and philosophies promoted at your school).
Write a reaction to the 4 articles and/or videos, of at least 500 words, and explain which of the classroom management philosophies/theories most aligns with your own philosophy.
https://sites.google.com/site/christinajree/kindergartenLinks to an external site.
Sample Solution
The four articles and/or videos that I watched on classroom management philosophies/theories were all very informative and provided me with a lot to think about. I was particularly interested in the work of Thomas Gordon, William Glasser, Haim Ginott, and Harry Wong.
Gordon's theory emphasizes the importance of positive relationships between teachers and students. He believed that when students feel respected and valued, they are more likely to be motivated to learn and to behave appropriately. I agree with Gordon that positive relationships are essential for a successful classroom. I believe that it is important to get to know my students as individuals, to build trust and rapport, and to create a classroom community where everyone feels safe and supported.
Full Answer Section
Glasser's theory focuses on student autonomy and motivation. He believed that students are more likely to be successful when they have a sense of control over their own learning and when they are motivated to achieve their goals. I agree with Glasser that it is important to give students choices in the classroom and to help them develop their own intrinsic motivation to learn. I also believe that it is important to set clear expectations and to provide students with regular feedback on their progress. Ginott's theory emphasizes the importance of congruent communication. He believed that teachers should communicate with students in a way that is honest, respectful, and congruent with their own values. I agree with Ginott that it is important to be a good role model for students and to communicate with them in a way that is clear, concise, and consistent. Wong's theory focuses on establishing routines and community early in the school year. He believed that a well-managed classroom is one in which students know what to expect and where there is a sense of community and belonging. I agree with Wong that it is important to establish routines and procedures early in the school year. I believe that this helps to create a predictable and supportive learning environment for students. Which classroom management philosophy/theory most aligns with my own philosophy? After reflecting on the four classroom management philosophies/theories that I discussed above, I believe that Gordon's theory most aligns with my own philosophy. I believe that it is important to build positive relationships with students, to give them choices, and to help them develop their own intrinsic motivation to learn. I also believe that it is important to be a good role model for students and to communicate with them in a way that is honest, respectful, and congruent with my own values. I believe that Gordon's theory provides a good framework for creating a positive and productive learning environment. I plan to use his ideas in my own classroom by:- Getting to know my students as individuals and building trust and rapport with them.
- Creating a classroom community where everyone feels safe and supported.
- Giving students choices in the classroom and helping them develop their own intrinsic motivation to learn.
- Setting clear expectations and providing students with regular feedback on their progress.
- Communicating with students in a way that is honest, respectful, and congruent with my own values.