Garrett's (2008) article suggests that the philosophy we adopt in our teaching should align with the philosophy we embrace in our management - but, many teachers who believe in student-centered learning struggle to give up teacher-centered management. What do you think about Garrett's premise? Why do you think teachers struggle with this?

I think that teachers struggle with aligning their philosophy with their management because they might think that is the best way for students to learn, but are confident in how to be able to the achieve the environment this style can strive in. Especially for first year teachers the idea of inquiry can be scary because they have never managed a classroom before, so they don’t know how to handle situations as well. When behavioral problems arise in the classroom, I feel like most teachers default to teacher centered because it is easier to have control of the room and not feel overwhelmed when things don’t go as planned. Often when teachers are using the curriculum it limits what the students are able to do and the skills they need. Majority of the classroom students can be seen on their computers completing task, but they are engaging with their peers or having the opportunities to be of a group or community. Even the written curriculum is heavily geared towards a teacher centered classroom. Typically, the most student-centered activity will be think pair share or a class discussion.

    Gus shared his "sweet-spot" on the continuum. Where is your "sweet-spot?" Why do you believe that location is the best fit for you?

I feel like I’m probably more towards collaborative, especially with where I am at in mentor class. Right now, I notice that I have some teacher centered views, but I think it is because that is what I’m used to seeing from my teachers and my mentor teacher. For me it can seem difficult to find my voice in the classroom and to gain the same respect that my teacher has. I have notice how different I am when working with students 1 on 1 I tend to use inquiry techniques and question the students about their thinking by getting them to explain their ideas. I have found during these times is when I’m able to build relationships with my students and get them to open up to me on a more personal level. Having those conversations and being able to discuss in the classroom rather than just being answer driven is what I want me classroom to be. If students are given the option to be part of the classroom in various ways, then the classroom can feel more like a community. Students should have a say and choice, I know this is something I need to work on and letting go of control has been a struggle for me. My goal sweet spot would be collaborative with a leaning towards student centered.

 Blog Post #1

 

    How are your initial thoughts about management already changing or being reinforced?

Many times, we often hear how class room management can be the thing that makes teachers leave the profession. Believe me I have been in my far share of classroom where the classroom management was lacking and the students were not engaged with the material. Being in these kinds of classrooms can be overwhelming and our first thought is what can we do to change these student’s behavior to make it desirable. There are many elements that go into classroom management and not just focusing on the behavioral aspect of it. We need to try to build a classroom environment where students can learn in and want to be a part in. This is one of the things that will make students want to come to school and be part of a community.

    How do Charles' three purposes for management (he calls it classroom discipline) complement each other?

For the first reason is to limit the conditions that promote misbehavior, teach students how to behavior properly, and be helpful to students when they are trying to get on the correct behavior. All of the classroom discipline focuses on student’s behavior. If teachers are able to create a learning community and set the foundations of the classroom early on in the year. Even with a strong foundation students are still learning how they can be part of a community and what that means. Students need to know that it is okay to make mistakes and that they can learn from them. When students learn from their mistakes then the teacher won’t have to be involved in every circumstance, because students will have their own tools for their use.

    Which authority base are you most attracted to? Why that one?

I feel like the student- directed theories is the one that I am the most attracted to because it would work the best with inquiry and differentiated learning. This authority is one that aligns with the ideas of what it means to have 21^st century skills. Students are able to self-reflect on their behaviors and think about their actions. If we give students the tools to work on solving problems then there won’t be as frequent of problems in the classroom. Also, these authority helps students become future citizens and won’t be as dependent on other authority figures allowing them to think for themselves.