Education: Critique of Classroom-Based Scenarios, Article Critique Example

Scenario 1

Ms. Sara has a group of students who are off task regularly. She is not sure if they are off task for the same reason. In her conversations with the other teachers during the weekly meeting, she defines her students’ misbehaviors by what it looks like. She thinks this will help in her behavior change efforts. To her surprise, Ms. Sara finds out that the same group of students is not off task in Ms. Amina’s class. How can she solve this problem?

It appears as though Ms Sara’s group control methods are unique and could be analyzed for further understanding. For example, the children’s off task behavior is a demonstration of the outcome of this uniqueness. Her attempted approach of subtly identifying her students’ behavior as a sample of inappropriate conduct among other teachers is her strategy is making them responsible for their actions.

Importantly, when choice (control) theory is applied to classroom management it explains that a people’s behavior is inspired. This inspiration emerges from his/her current needs. These could be related to desires for achievement. Students’ off task behavior could be linked to their desire for achievement at the time. According to the theory these desires have no external influence. Further, people have the power with to design their behavior in relation to their needs

Consequently, individuals have the ability to create changes betterment through the choices they make. Also can develop choices by asking specific questions, but ultimately it must be understood that only person whose behavior we can control is our own. Hence, Ms. Amina’s class students being off task could be a difficulty according to this theory one of the axims implies that she has very little control over their behavior(Nelson, 2002).  However, as an adult she can control her behavior to the extent of being a stimulant, which transfers an inward desire to accomplish tasks. Perhaps, the other teachers are being that influence so students respond to them differently. Incidentally, all behavior is considered total behavior consist of four elements, acting, psychology, thinking and feeling. While people do have choices, total control is only taken over the acting and thinking aspects of behavior (Toso, 2006).

Scenario 2

Ali plays at his desk during lessons. Ms. Hissa asks him why he does this. Ali says, “Because I feel bored.” Ms. Hissa is not pleased with the reason Ali provided in response to why he misbehaved. What could Ms. Hissa do to solve the problem with Ali?

A behavior management strategy could be applied to this situation. Ms Hissa is in control of the class if not the students’ behavior according to theorists, but students’ behavior with respect to alternative views of the choice/control theory to other schools of thought behavior can be controlled While Ms Hissa may feel powerless in this situation there are evidence based solutions to this crisis. Three approaches were recommended. They are child centered; understanding the behavior and theoretical applications. A student centered approach could entail allowing students’ right to control his/her own behavior(Kratochwill, 2015).

Theoretically, students/children object to parents and teacher attempting to dictate their actions. Consequently assigned behavior is met with resistance from students. The question of being bored in class is a signal for Ms Hissa to know that the student might not be apprehensive to schooling, but school activities are not motivational. Hence, a behavior management, which could be instituted immediately, is asking the student what he likes doing best as it pertains to classroom activities (Kratochwill, 2015).

This should be the way every student’s learning ought to be approached when curriculum planning is undertaken in schools. From a class level lessons must be designed to keep students occupied with what makes sense to them. The control/ choice theory emphasizes that people exert positive behavior towards satisfying their needs. In being bored Ali seems to have no desire for the emptiness, which pervades his environment. As such, he finds escape in conducting himself inappropriately.

References

Kratochwill, K.(2015). Classroom Management. Teacher Modules. Retrieved on October 15^th,2015 fromhttp://www.apa.org/education/k12/classroom-mgmt.aspx

Nelson, T. (2002). An Interview with William Glasser. Teacher Education Quarterly, Summer 93-98.

Toso, R.  (2006). Control Theory, Principal Leadership.William Glasser Institute.