The classroom management theories provide general guidelines for the best teaching practices for the educator. It allows the teachers to adapt to the student’s needs more effectively, ensuring a boost in academic performance. In other words, the knowledge of classroom management theories can help educators to become better at their primary task of teaching. Not every student can comprehend and learn the information and skills one way. Thus, these theories provide the necessary advice on diversifying and adapting the approach to the students who may fall behind. Moreover, the teacher in question may not be fully aware of the various possibilities for improving their teaching techniques. However, the relationship between theory and practice can go in the other direction, as educators can construct their theories based on their practice. Therefore, it appears to be important to evaluate classroom management theories in terms of practice (Murniati, 2018). The following evaluation will assess the Skinner Model of Operant Conditioning, the Glasser Model or The Choice Theory, the Canter Model, and Jones’ Model.
Chosen classroom management theories are actively used in practice with positive and negative results. One example of positive outcomes for learning is the Skinner Model of Operant Conditioning’s benefit of making students associate good behavior with the reward. It can boost discipline in the classroom, which can lead to increased focus and improved learning. However, the implementation of this theory can also result in the students losing sight of their educational goals, as they chase after instant rewards. In this case, Glasser Model or The Choice Theory can remedy the situation, as it is based on the satisfaction of the five basic human needs. This theory allows the students to see the consequences of their actions, developing their long-term planning abilities. This theory is not without downsides either, as this approach may be too personal and require professional mental health work. This effect further shows the need to evaluate the theories in practice.
Similarly, the next two theories have benefits and disadvantages. Canter Model increases the levels of discipline in the classroom, while it focuses excessively on this aspect of learning, undermining others. Jones’ Model seems to be all-encompassing in building the procedures in the classroom and personal relationships between educators and students while eliminating the autonomy and self-study side of learning. Therefore, educators must balance the approaches and adapt to the conditions of their classrooms in practice.
Reference
Murniati, M. (2018). Bridging the gap between theories and practice: Alumni’s perceptions on English teaching subjects in English department.Proceedings Of The 65th Teflin International Conference, 65(01).