Successful Classroom Teaching

“To be successful in the classroom, teachers
• Need a well-planned, individual model of discipline
• Must understand various psychological theories of discipline
• Must understand the assumptions upon which they are based,
• Must understand their own values and educational philosophy
• Must use a model of discipline that is in harmony with their convictions.”


The best approach is the leader teacher not the boss teacher.

This is best achieved using Glasser’s choice theory.

Essentially it is saying that the only thing we can control is the way we think and act- not the way we feel, which is a consequence. So we can choose to think and to act in certain ways.

Children and adolescents seek five main things in life.

• A safe secure place where they belong
• To be loved and valued
• To have power
• To have freedom
• To have fun and learn

A good teacher will provide these things in the way they structure their lesson.

In some situations teachers can resort to Assertive Discipline

Assertive discipline is a structured, systematic approach designed to assist educators in running an organized, teacher-in-charge classroom environment. Lee and Marlene Canter, when consulting for school systems, found that many teachers were unable to control undesirable behavior that occurred in their classrooms. The Cantors, rightfully so, attributed this to a lack of training in the area of behavior management. Based on their research and the foundations of assertiveness training and applied behavior analysis, they developed a common sense, easy-to-learn approach to help teachers become the captains of their classrooms and positively influence their students' behavior. Today, it is the most widely used "canned" (prepared/packaged) behavior management program. Assertive discipline has evolved since the mid 70's from an authoritarian approach to one that is more democratic and cooperative.

• What are some of the positive consequences that so motivate students?

• Personal attention from the teacher--greetings, short talks, compliments, acknowledgements, smiles, and friendly eye contact.
• Positive notes/phone calls to parents.
• Special awards--from comments on papers to certificates.
• Special privileges--five extra minutes of a desired activity for the whole class, choosing a friend with whom to work.
• Material rewards--posters, school pencils, popcorn.
• Home rewards--in collaboration with parents, privileges can be extended at home. Completing homework can earn extra TV time. Reading a book can earn a favorite meal.
• Group rewards--Preferred Activity Time.