Theorists
Harry Wong
Harry Wong presents a proactive approach to classroom behavior management. A successful classroom is one in which the work is ready, the room is ready, and the teacher is ready. Harry Wong encourages good classroom management through preparation. He emphasizes the importance of the first day of school. The first day is when students discover what their classroom is going to be like. Greeting students is crucial, as well as nonverbal communication. A smile, nod, frown, ect. can tell the students a lot about how the teacher is feeling. When students are greeted, they should also be given a task to begin right away as they enter the classroom. Getting students started keeps them from getting distracted and misbehaving. Time is important. When time is not used wisely, it can cause problems in the classroom. The teacher must always have something prepared for that extra time. Teachers also need to set clear procedures and routines. Students need to know what is expected of them. According to Wong, to be an effective teacher, one must have a discipline plan that does not degrade a student, make good eye contact, use body language, provide a copy of plans for the students, enforce rules consistently, teach consequences and responsibility, and have confidence in their abilities. I love Wong's proactive approach to classroom management. I hope to use these proactive approaches in my future classroom.
For more information on Harry Wong, please visit:
http://www.yale.edu/21c/arkansas/documents/Meek_9_25_07_HarryWong.pdf
Harry Wong presents a proactive approach to classroom behavior management. A successful classroom is one in which the work is ready, the room is ready, and the teacher is ready. Harry Wong encourages good classroom management through preparation. He emphasizes the importance of the first day of school. The first day is when students discover what their classroom is going to be like. Greeting students is crucial, as well as nonverbal communication. A smile, nod, frown, ect. can tell the students a lot about how the teacher is feeling. When students are greeted, they should also be given a task to begin right away as they enter the classroom. Getting students started keeps them from getting distracted and misbehaving. Time is important. When time is not used wisely, it can cause problems in the classroom. The teacher must always have something prepared for that extra time. Teachers also need to set clear procedures and routines. Students need to know what is expected of them. According to Wong, to be an effective teacher, one must have a discipline plan that does not degrade a student, make good eye contact, use body language, provide a copy of plans for the students, enforce rules consistently, teach consequences and responsibility, and have confidence in their abilities. I love Wong's proactive approach to classroom management. I hope to use these proactive approaches in my future classroom.
For more information on Harry Wong, please visit:
http://www.yale.edu/21c/arkansas/documents/Meek_9_25_07_HarryWong.pdf
William Glasser
William Glasser developed a new concept known as Choice Theory. Choice Theory provides an explanation of motivation that is different from what we have most often been taught. A main piece of Choice Theory is that people are internally, not externally motivated. This, therefore, means that outside events do not cause us to behave in certain ways, but that we ourselves choose to behave in particular ways. It is important to note that although Choice Theory states we always have some choice about how to behave, it does not mean we have unlimited choice or that outside information is irrelevant as we choose how to behave. Glasser also mentioned Basic Needs that are built into the genetic structure of every human being. The Basic Needs which provide the foundation for all motivation include: to be loving and connected to others; to achieve a sense of competence and personal power; to act with a degree of freedom and autonomy; to experience joy and fun; and to survive. I enjoyed learning more about Glasser. I agree with Glasser and although not all situations are the same, I believe most people are able to choose their behavior. Being aware and conscious of this will be beneficial in a classroom. Being familiar with the Basic Needs is important as well. Creating a classroom that satisfies these Basic Needs may help motivate students and can be used as a proactive approach to behavior management.
For more information on William Glasser, please visit:
http://www.choicetheory.com/ct.htm
For more information on William Glasser, please visit:
http://www.choicetheory.com/ct.htm