Perspective on Classroom Management

• Why do most people consider classroom management the most important challenge for beginning teachers?
• How is classroom management linked to other aspects of instruction?
• What examples can you give to demonstrate that order in the classroom is considered extremely important by most educators?

Theoretical and Empirical Support

• What are the three major theories that have guided classroom management research practices? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
• How did research conducted by Kounin and Doyle and Carter demonstrate that optimal learning is most likely achieved in an orderly classroom?
• What specific teacher behaviors lead to the most effective classroom management, according to teacher effectiveness researchers?
• What are the major features of classroom management from the perspective of childcentered theorists? Contrast child-centered views with those of behaviorists.

Preparing for Effective Classroom Management

• What are the major steps teachers can take to prevent classroom management problems?
• What specific classroom times seem to lead to discipline problems? Why?
• What are some actions teachers commonly practice that can disrupt the momentum of lessons?
• What is the general approach for dealing with students who are disruptive? Do you agree? Why or why not?
• What factors should a teacher consider to effectively use a reward system?

Classroom Management Programs

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the assertive discipline approach in the classroom?
• How does Dreikurs explain misbehavior? In what ways do logical consequences teach a student to behave appropriately?
• What teacher activities does Glasser's classroom meeting model require for successful classroom management? What factors contribute to a favorable meeting?
• What principles guide classroom management from a child-centered perspective?
• Contrast Kohn's suggestion for dealing with disruptive behavior with the Canters' recommendations.