Rachael Curtis

EDE 4504

DUE: 11/13

Philosophy of Management !
!

According to Levin and Nolan, chapter 4, Using one form of authority with all students

might not be acceptable. Utilizing all 4 types of authority will result in the most flexible and
convenient approach to influence the student/classroom community. If the idea of school is, ..to
prepare students for life of democracy (citizens who are able to control their behavior, care for
others, and make wise decisions) (Levin and Nolan), then it is a priority to keep in mind that,
Teachers are primarily responsible for influencing student behavior (Levin and Nolan). ! !
!

Consistency will be another key factor for students and the teacher in orchestrating a

desirable learning environment. Praise that is followed by action, or reasoning, is another idea
mentioned in these texts along with all three theories by theorists; Linda Albert, Canter, and Alfie
Kohn. In order to be consistent, using praise with aligned expected performance task will be an
ideal incentive. This rationale will also tie directly to preparing students for a life of democracy.
Students should constantly be aware of why praise is being given when they are displaying an
understanding of this preparedness or goal. As the building classroom discipline text
mentions, I think establishing a student directed, teacher directed, and collaborative approach
alongside the four types of authority will be the most successful, balanced approach for a
classroom community. Mostly, I have started to develop a beyond discipline, and cooperative
discipline combination in an elementary classroom, which are represented by Albert and Kohn.
Remember to allowing students the opportunity to control their own behavior, another idea
discussed, can reinforce this philosophy of influencing education in order to reach the vision in
mind. !
!

Empowering and encouraging students to learn is a basis of what these three previously

mentioned theorists have in mind. Although some procedures and beliefs correlate and cross
over amongst the different approaches, I think idealistically allowing all three to coexist
depending on the learners will be the most beneficial. Cooperative discipline involves a code of

Rachael Curtis

EDE 4504

DUE: 11/13

conduct which I find necessary to include in an elementary atmosphere. I will keep in mind the
four reasons of motivation behind behaviors when the time comes. One suggestion I will
continue developing is using a, ..businesslike attitude with a calm, yet firm tone of voice (Linda
Albert). I trust the assertive approach is too scripted and structured with a heavy emphasis on a
teacher directed approach. Canter is less interested in the root of behaviors which is unlike
Linda Albert who makes a point about properly relating the consequences to the action, or initial
behavior. I feel this is important and I will be focused on the suggestion by Linda about
intrinsically motivating students to choose positive, productive behavior. Rather than going
through the process of warning after warning, like Canters approach, I would rather have
expectations be known enough to give a warning one time. It is best to have available a variety
of consequences when students choose to ignore expectations. These consequences should
directly compare and relate to the chosen behavior, or circumstance. Rather than making an
initiative to provide supportive feedback and provide gratitude when students are listening, or
choosing positive behavior, this will be more of a norm rather than an approach. One more idea
to incorporate into the classroom for reinforcement is the I-can can suggested by Linda Albert.
More ideas that will help reinforcement are addressed here: http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/
feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/chapter-4-5-summaries-connections-c-h-wolfgang-l-albert!
!

I was able to hear multiple opinions, and receive insight, from my colleagues about the

different theorists. After reflecting on what the text says and what I think versus my colleagues, I
strongly trust that Alfie Kohn has the most natural and realistic approach of Beyond discipline.
His theory does require a noticeable amount of extra effort, and like anything, practice makes
perfect. I will be sure to use a community building approach which was highlighted the most in
his theories. Along with that, I will allow my learners to be deeply involved in topics they
consider important in order to justify their own reasoning for learning, give opportunity to act
sensibly rather than coercively telling students how to act, speak using we rather than I,

Rachael Curtis

EDE 4504

DUE: 11/13

display an active versus passive attitude, use quiet voices instead of silence to promote the type
of society we aspire to live in, realize that disagreements are golden opportunities for learning
and problem solving, hold meetings and maintain an awareness of each other so we can spend
less time on discipline problems, and lastly, as the text mentions, display and foster a curiosity
towards students thinking and why/how they know whether what theyre saying is correct or
incorrect. More ideas, and strategy implementation techniques, can be found here: http://
rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/chapter-12-summaries-charlessenter-connections!

!
!

Rachael Curtis

EDE 4504

DUE: 11/13

References!
Levin, J., & Nolan, J. F. (2010). Principles of classroom management: A professional decision-making
model, (6th Ed.). Boston: Pearson.!

Charles, C. M. Linda Albert's 'Cooperative Discipline'. In Building classroom discipline. Boston.

!
!

Allyn and Bacon. 2002. Ch. 5. pp. 67-84.

Charles, C. M. Alfie Kohns Beyond Discipline. In Building classroom discipline. Boston.

Allyn and Bacon. 2002. Ch. 12. pp. 189-204.