Classroom Management: Theories and Implementation

This article provides an overview of various classroom management theories, including Glasser's Choice Theory, Neo-Adlerian Theory, and Applied Behavior Analysis. It discusses the principles of each theory and evaluates their positive and negative elements. The article also reflects on the author's personal philosophy on classroom management and the implementation of Glasser's Choice Theory.

Running head: CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Name of the Student
Name of the Author
Author Note

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
My Classroom Management Philosophy.........................................................................................2
Neo-Adlerian Theory.......................................................................................................................3
Applied Behaviour Analysis............................................................................................................4
Glasser’s Choice Theory..................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8

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Introduction
In the present-day field of education, stimulating classroom management theories are in
abundance that reflects an array of various philosophical beliefs. This paper is going to give a
brief overview of three theories that have been derived from the mixed method, egalitarian and
authoritarian models that are Glasser’s Choice Theory, Neo-Adlerian Theory and Applied
Behavior Analysis. The theories will be analyzed and discussed in terms of their basic principles
and evaluate their positive and negative elements. The paper will then reflect my philosophy on
classroom management; Glasser’s Choice Theory and will be discussed in detailed.
My Classroom Management Philosophy
A teacher in order to understand the kind of philosophies they would like to implement in
a classroom in order to manage it efficiently should understand our own values, beliefs and
philosophies by critical thinking and our own reflections (Hayes, 2017). My main goal is to
prepare the students for the real world that is the society. This can only happen when they are
taught critical thinking and understand the text that is been studied in the class rather than
memorizing it in order to get good grades. Education empowers and shapes the mind of a student
that later helps them in lives to grow to be an active part of the society and contribute to the
positive changes.
I believe in a classroom everyone should be equal that reflects in the Glasser’s Choice
Theory. I want to contribute to the success of my students. I want my students to learn the
positive ways of survival which they can implement in life later when necessary. I want them to
become successful and independent in life. For this there should be a healthy relationship
between the teacher and the student which I want to achieve. I want to approachable and build a

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relationship of trust that will help them to come to me when they find themselves in a bad
situation or when they are finding anything difficult. I want to be as transparent as possible so
that they can ask me anything. I want my students to grow academically and individually and
allow them to use other sources like text books, their parents and their peers from where they can
learn other things. I want my students to make better life choices and grow a sense of self-esteem
within them to make better choices in life.
Neo-Adlerian Theory
The Neo alderian theory stresses the need for students to feel as they belong, it is more
concerned to give students the feeling of belonging as opposed to change their behavioural
pattern (Maniacci, Carlson & Sackett-Maniacci, 2017) , this theory falls under the mixed method
model of classroom management. This theory stresses the unity of the individual, the subjective
choices made and the individual makes as they work towards the goal they have set as they move
through life (Mosak, 2013). This means that all behaviour is considered to be acceptable as it
helps the students reach their goals. The role of the teacher in this theory is to study student’s
behaviour and see what positive patterns they possess the teacher is than required to help the
students use these patterns in order to reach their goals, this encourages students to be themselves
and find a sense of belonging as they move on with their learning (Millei, 2007). In this theory it
is the duty of the teacher to assess the behaviour of the students on the basis of four primary
motives that are proving inadequacy, power, attention and revenge. The teachers should assess
the causes of the behavior of the students according to the response of the student. Teachers can
then make strategies in how to deal with the student and what are the needs of the student that
the students are deprived of. The needs are met in a proper manner which follows to the norms

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and social values. Therefore the role of the teacher is to encourage and empower the students to
make behavioral choices that are positive and help them to participate in the learning.
This theory argues that praising is the symbol that shows the imbalance of power between
the teachers and the students. This is because the reward the students get that is the praise or the
appreciation is based on the thought process of the teacher and what the teacher considers to be
right. The teachers need to be supportive and acknowledge the achievements of the students that
will later help them to realize their own potential. This approach helps the student to develop as a
positive individual in the society and empower the society.
However this theory has elements of the authoritarian approach as the appreciation
garnered by the students are more of the teachers think are right. The students are however
controlled and indirectly are said what is right and what is wrong without giving them the
freedom to understand the wrong or the right. The other thing about this theory is that they state
that the students are encouraged only by negative motives. This generalizes the students and I
feel that it is not necessary that every other student is encouraged by negative motives but there
are many positive aspects that motivate students in order to grow in society and in life.
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Problems that exist in many schools today are discipline problems like disruptive
classroom behaviour, vandalism, bullying and violence hence establishing effective discipline
practices is essential to ensure academic success one of the most effective theories that can be
implemented into schools to solve these discipline problems is applied behaviour analysis (ABA)
(Luiselli, Putnam, Handler & Feinberg, 2005). ABA is an authoritarian theory which takes an

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approach to understanding and changing behaviour, it states that student behaviour is influenced
by external forces as opposed to internal forces (Smith & Eikeseth, 2010). The intended outcome
of this theory is to study the student’s behaviour while noting negative influences and then
reversing these negative influences in order to generate sustainable behaviour hence creating a
good learning environment for all students involved in the class (Lilley & Wilson, 2013). The
ABA theory may allow the teacher to punish students who misbehave however that is the last
resort a teacher should use whilst trying to implement this theory.
According to the philosopher Cooper, the ABA acts as a basic foundation for the teachers
who have do not have the adequate experience and are not accustomed with teaching yet and
helps them to get to understand the management strategies of classrooms and understand what
are affective and what are not (Kearney, 2015). Application of ABA has been the most effective
when it has been used in the classroom where there is a one on one teacher student setting. ABA
puts emphasis on observation that is impartial and equal, raises issue of cost efficiency and time
(Lloyd, Weaver & Staubitz, 2016). Students here may change the behavior when they think they
are monitored. This means that the changes are not permanent.
This theory has proven to be beneficial and helped in managing students in a classroom.
This is an authoritative style of management. However, it contradicts my value and beliefs of
classroom management. I believe that both students and teachers should be equal and given the
same respect. In this theory the students are regulated by fear which contradicts my belief. I feel
a student cannot learn anything if they fear someone. This may affect their life later as they have
been taught to obey others that they would not have any vision of their own. I belief a student
should pursue education to get a perspective. In this theory the students follow the teacher and
the atmosphere of the class is very controlling with less involvement. There is no communication

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between the teacher and the students as such which makes the students just follow the rules and
lessons that the teacher teaches in a classroom. The students in this kind of environment do not
have perspective as they are accustomed to being taught. They feel what the teacher is saying
that is only right and they themselves are not taught to think rationally.
Glasser’s Choice Theory
Glasser’s Choice Theory follows the egalitarian model of behavior management. The
theory states that people behave according to what they need at the given time. This is the theory
I would like to implement to maintain my classroom efficiently. The choice theory encourages
the teachers to ensure that their students attain self-esteem and self-awareness to make more
profound life choices. This theory implementation will help my students to deal with the real
world like solving issues efficiently and effectively. This theory paves way for equality as it
believes that it is the responsibility of both the teachers and the students to be disciplined in the
classroom (Irvine, 2015). Teachers should suggest and talk about the discipline but ultimately it
is the decision of the students to think critically and do the same. In this theory it all states the
responsibilities of the teachers that they should put more stress on making students learn about
responsibilities, establish rules and regulations that pave way for success, call for value
judgment, help the students in their difficulties and suggest appropriate alternatives, invoke
reasonable consequences and to be persistent. The responsibilities that the theory suggests are I
think correct and this will help to build a strong bond between the students and the teachers. This
will help the students to not just grow academically but also internally (Soh, 2017). This will
help to broaden their horizon and make the responsible citizens of their society
However, this theory has had positive impacts not only in the classrooms but also in the
society. The responsibilities that are laid down by Glasser are correct in making a healthy

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classroom atmosphere. This theory has helped to satisfy the needs of the student’s (Erwin,
2004). . The involvement of the teachers shows the concern for the students and thus the
performance of the classroom enhances because of this (Lyons, Ford & Slee, 2014). I would like
to shape the lives of my students in a positive manner so that they can survive in the real world
that is the most important thing. I would like to help my students in every way possible as I
would like to see my students succeed.
Studies have shown the effectiveness of this theory when implemented in the classroom.
The responsibilities of the teachers in this theory have helped the students to think rationally and
critically and they have been solving their problems effectively. This theory boosts students
centered responsibility and learning. The environment here is participatory as students participate
and devote themselves from their own will. The other thing is communication is an important
factor of this theory. I strongly believe that communication is important to understand the gravity
of the problem the students are facing. Making assumptions on the basis of their behavior is not
enough. I would like to communicate with students in order to understand their needs that needs
to be fulfilled and to understand their mindset so that I can make changes to make the learning
process more interesting. The theory states that teachers need to support students and encourage
them rather than criticizing. I would follow this as encouragement makes the students confident
and criticizing will make them shy thus they will never try to do anything again because of the
criticism.
However the problem is that all schools will not implement the Choice theory for
classroom management. The other problem is that the theory states that one will act as they want
to but every place has decorum and it is the responsibility of the students to understand and
control any negative behavior.

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Conclusion
There are a numerous number of classroom management theories that provide the
teachers with a wide range of models to suit their beliefs. This helps the teachers to understand
their teaching process. The theory that aligned with my beliefs was Glasser’s Choice Theory that
I will implement and try my best in ensuring the overall development of my students. All
theories may have certain negative aspects but I will try to overcome these factors efficiently
which will help to learn and grow more.

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Reference
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