Classroom management Article

A Classroom management program for the middle school

A model that accommodates the individual differences of teachers

 This article introduces an approach to accommodate differences in teacher's styles and philosophies by using classroom management that works for them. Management models were originally developed to solve the problem of classroom discipline. The most widely used models are Canter and Canter's Assertive Discipline Model, Glasser's Ten Steps to Discipline, and Gordon's Teacher effectiveness Training. However, too often, teachers are frustrated with the results from these management models, because they don't match the teachers needs. Each of the listed models offer valuable tools, but teachers work effectively with a model that fits their needs, instead of other teacher's needs.

More than any other level, the middle school students exhibit stages of physical, intellectual, social, and moral development. Classroom management styles vary greatly among teachers, but some schools are set with one particular model of management. This doesn't sit well for the students, parents, or teachers. Teachers should be able to select the model that best fits their needs, or selecting a combination of models, or parts of models that intersect with each other. Teachers are professional who are capable of analyzing complex situations, who can develop a model based on their classroom's needs. There shouldn't be a prescribed set of guidelines to follow to maintain effective classroom management. Behavior management should be up to the individual teachers.

Source:JSTOR, Middle school Journal Vol. 20 No. 2 November 1988