Theories of Classroom Management

1. Theories of Classroom Management By Melissa, Bree and Gena

2. Three Theories • Student-Directed Management • Collaborative Management • Teacher-Directed Management

3. Continuum • Student-Directed Management • Collaborative Management • Teacher-Directed Management

4. Student-Directed Management • Students take responsibility for directing their own behaviour • Misbehaviour is the student’s attempt to meet needs that are not being met • Well suited for self-contained early childhood and elementary settings but possible in secondary • Time spent on management prepares students with skills to be citizens in a democracy

5. Goals of Student-Directed • Students must have the primary responsibility of controlling their behaviour • Students are capable of controlling their behaviour if given the opportunity to do so

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7. Collaborative Management • Students and teachers are jointly responsible for behaviour management • Teachers tend to believe in student-directed ideals but class and school size create issues • The needs of the group are put before the needs of any individual student • Time spent on management is potentially productive for individual but not the group

8. Goals of Collaborative Students are: • Engaged in learning activities • Usually successful • Respectful of the teacher and fellow students • Co-operative in following classroom guidelines

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10. Teacher-Directed Management • Teachers are responsible for behaviour management by providing guidelines and rules • Teachers employ rewards and punishments as a way to control behaviour • Primary emphasis is on academic content and processes • This is the oldest method of teaching • Time spent on management is seen as wasted time

11. Goals of Teacher-Directed • Create a learning environment in which management issues play a minimal role • To discourage misbehaviour and to deal with it as swiftly as possible

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13. Your Scenarios

14. Fun Game Time!

15. Discussion Questions • Which theory would you use in your classroom and why?

16. Discussion Questions • Which theory have you experienced the most as a high school student? Give examples.

17. Discussion Questions • Do you believe that the student’s age or grade level dictates what theory should be used?