Ashley Murphy

April 14, 2015

EDU 218
Classroom Management Essay
Classroom Management Essay
In EDU 218, we are studying classroom management and how to
become an effective teacher. There are four different perspectives on
classroom management from philosophers that we have been studying
intently. Then, we are assigned to choose one perspective on
classroom management that we are most like and reflect on it. The
four perspectives of classroom management are behavior modification,
choice theory, assertive discipline, and beyond discipline. Behavior
modification is a perspective by B.F. skinner that involves the use of
positive and negative reinforcements and punishment to shape
behavior. Choice theory is a perspective by William Glasser that helps
to satisfy students psychological needs that adds to their quality of
life. Assertive discipline is a perspective by Lee and Marlene Canter,
which states that teachers and students have rights and it is important
to insist on responsible behavior and use consequences. The fourth
perspective is beyond discipline by Alfie Kohn, stating that it is
important to consider students from positive perspectives and believe
students will make correct decisions.
Personally, I believe that I am a mixture between the
perspectives of B.F. Skinner and Alfie Kohn. I see myself using behavior
modification in the classroom, as I believe students need to have
positive and negative reinforcements to help shape their behavior in
the classroom. For instance, I believe stickers are an excellent reward
for doing something correctly or behaving correctly. However, I also
believe that having a behavior chart or taking choice away for negative
behavior is sometimes necessary as well. On the other hand, I also see
myself using Alfie Kohns approach of beyond discipline in the
classroom. I believe that students should be considered from a positive
perspective first and always trust that they will make the correct
decisions. Having this perspective first can help students to feel as if
they are responsible and trusted.