A section of chapter 8 deals with Teacher-Student Interactions and classroom climates. Classroom climate is especially important to me as an Instructor. Although I teach at the college level the classroom is “our” room and I do hold the students responsible for everything that goes on in there. The text talks about different classroom climates: Democratic style, Authoritarian style and Laissez-faire style. The Democratic style is where the Students have more of a participatory role in the decision making process. The Teacher retains final say over all decisions but allows for the students to share their thoughts and ideas. Authoritarian style puts firm limits and controls on the students. Whereas the Laissez-faire style is a "hands off" leadership style because the leader provides little or no direction to the students. I believe that I am a mixture of all three styles. What is your classroom management style?
Actually Elizabeth I am different depending upon the situation. When I have a class of 25 or more I definelty become more authoritarian. I have had a band of 80 at one time and I am certainly not in a democratic mood at that time.
ReplyDeleteWhen I have smaller band groups of 15 or less, such a jazz band or small beginning band I much more democratic and laid back. I usually play an instrument along with the class and we make joint decisions and a lot of things but my vote always counts more.
I can never call myself Laissez-faire because I do maintain control. In my content classes I am am democratic or a benevolent monarch.
It also depends upon the kind of students I have. If I am teaching inner city gang kids, which I have done before I am very much more controlling. When I teach country kids I am more laid back but even that depends upon the specific kids, situation and activities.
I am just a mess. I do want the situation seems to call for. After 18 years of teaching in public schools and working with children, youth and adults in church activities for some 30 years I can pretty well read the situation and adjust my style as needed.
I tend to be a democratic type of learner and teacher. I like to participate and interact with students as much as possible. I give them a free style type of learning. When interaction is needed or they need feedback then I will step in and provide help. Materials covered are discussed among students themselves . I also provide tutorials on how to learn new materials.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I am more of a democratic style teacher. I have noticed with my students, that the more ownership they take of a problem or situation, the more involved they are in it. Once the students have come to some kind of conclusion with their ideas, I help to lead them to where they need to be to succeed. I have tried the authoritative style when I first started to teach, and soon found that the kids were uninterested, and lacked any motivation to learn or do work.
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