Appropriate behaviour

Promoting appropriate behaviour in the classroom not only helps us teach, but helps the learner learn. There are a variety of reasons why learners behaviour can become disruptive and there is rarely a one size fits all approach to classroom management. It is often useful though to ask ourselves three clear questions to allow us to put a strategy in place. However it is also important for us to reflect on our own classrom management style.

Where

Where does the disrution take place. This could be at a physical location or at key points within a lesson

what

Disruptive behaviour can take many forms from low level to violent outbursts. The type of behaviour being shown that we consider may not be considfdered as disruptive by the learner or they are unable to see the implications of their behaviour.

who/when

You may have particular individuals who show persistent disruptive or innapropriate behaviour or it may be a particular group.

bAUMRIND'S cLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STYLES

In 1971, Baumrind identified 4 distinct classroom management styles related to the amount of control the teacher demonstrated and the level of involvement of the students in the classroom: authoritarian, permissive, indulgent and authoritative. This conceptualization allows you to evaluate your own classroom management techniques. Be intentional in choosing your style. Effective classroom management allows you to teach effectively and enjoy your career.

aUTHORITATIVE

The authoritative teacher has high levels of both control and student involvement. This teacher is firm but fair. The teacher provides positive reinforcement for a job well done, encourages class discussions and considers reasonable consequences for behavior. The authoritative teacher is invested in the success of the students and cares about what happens to them outside of school. Rules are consistent and regularly enforced. This teacher is understanding of the challenges the students face and considerate when setting expectations. The teacher encourages autonomy and independence in the students.

Indulgent

The indulgent teacher has a high level of involvement with students, but a low level of control. This teacher cares for the students and loses authority by becoming friendly with the students. This teacher is prepared for lessons but isn’t able to direct the students enough to present the lessons. The students generally do what they want and the teacher allows them to freely express themselves. Students rarely encounter punishment and the teacher encourages students to make their own decisions.

Permissive

The permissive teacher has low levels of both control and involvement. This teacher has checked out and doesn’t prepare lesson plans. They tend to “wing it” and rely heavily on movies to fill the time. The students have taken control of the class and the teacher makes few moves to challenge this. They know little about the students and isn’t invested in their success. The permissive teacher interacts little with students and engages in their own entertainment rather than attending to the needs of the students.

Authoritarian

The authoritarian teacher exhibits a high level of control over the classroom, but a low level of involvement with students. This teacher strictly enforces the rules, assigns seats and provides a lot of direct instruction. Authoritarian teachers avoid close connections with students. They often know little about their students’ home lives and place little value on the home-school connection. This teacher likes a plan and won’t tolerate problematic behavior in the classroom. The teacher expects students to remain quiet and discourages active discussions. Quick and unquestioned compliance with demands is expected. Any inappropriate behavior encounters strict punishment.

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