Classroom Management Philosophy Essay

Classroom management is posing more problems to teachers than it has in the past. More students are finding it necessary to challenge authority rather than go with what they are told to do. Given these situations, teachers are forced to find new approaches to connect with their students. The philosophy that is the most compatible with my personality and teaching style is the collaborative theory of classroom management. This theory is based on the belief that influencing student behavior is the joint responsibility of the student as well as the teacher. I believe that students, especially at the secondary level, are able to understand the general rules for behavior. However, there are moments when students do not remember the specifics of rules, which is when the teacher can step in and be a guide.

There are two power bases, expert and legitimate, that tie into the collaborative theory. As far as the legitimate power base goes, I do not believe that I can really relate. However, I do believe in following the rules and would never want to cause an issue at school by not following outlined policies. A trust and understanding between the student and teacher is involved with the expert power base. Though this trust can take a while to earn, once it is done the student will garner …show more content…
A main belief for Dreikurs was that discipline is based on having mutual respect. Having respect helps to motivate students to behave due to social interest. He also believed this is so because all humans have a primary need to belong as well as be accepted by their peers. When children feel that they are accepted, they can contribute to the classroom because they feel they have value. Additionally, on of Dreikurs main values was that discipline is not punishment, but rather teaching students that there are natural consequences to actions and punishment shows that the teacher is boss, and is seen as