Implementation of Canter’s Behavior Management Plan: Case Study
Tywon S. Thomas
EDU-536
5/19/2014
Introduction: Case Study
There are many different misbehaviors that a teacher may encounter from his or her students if an effective classroom management plan is not put in place at the beginning of a new school term or year. Canter’s assertive discipline is based mainly on fair rules and negative consequences (Ellis, David W. 1995). The implementation of an effective plan will cut down on off-task behaviors and will make way for more time to be spent on promotion of a stimulating learning environment. There are several behavior management plans from which educators can choose; the problem sometimes comes in choosing one that fits well with the students in the class. Additionally, educators have to remember that the same behavior management plan may not work from teacher to teacher, and better yet, the plan which is suitable for their first period class, may not work well with students in fourth period. After the narrowing down and tailoring process of finding a suitable plan to fit individual classroom needs, then the key to making sure it is a great classroom management plan is consistency which begins from the day the plan is implemented until the end of the school term.
During this case study, the Canter Behavior Management Method, also known as the Assertive Discipline method, created by Lee and Marlene Canter, is used to assist a teacher, with a
The Assertive Discipline Model is a model that comes under the Management Theories. The two main theorises behind this model if discipline are Lee and Marlene Carter, the husband and wife duo have put thousands of hours research into helping perfect this model (Allen, 1996). They see the Assertive Discipline Model as being an approach that is direct and positive; it allows the teachers to teach and the students to be in an environment where they are able to lean to their best ability (Allen, 1996). The Carter’s model of Assertive Discipline relies on the teacher to punish unacceptable behaviour in a way in which will deter the child from repeating this behaviour again (Allen, 1996). A key point that Carter and Carter make in their model of Assertive Discipline is that the behaviour that is expected in the classroom is well known, there are warnings given to the students about their behaviour reminding them what is expected of them and then it is expected that the teacher following through with the consequence that adheres with the incorrect behaviour (Konza, Grainger & Bradshaw, 2001). Teachers using the Assertive Model will under no circumstances tolerate students that disrupt them the teacher, or other students from learning (Konza, Grainger & Bradshaw, 2001). The consequences for students that have misbehaved must be clear and concise so that the students themselves have a clear understanding of what the punishment is and what the behaviour is that
“… behaviour management difficulties have a way of sneaking up on teachers, leaving them without the necessary tools to deal with the difficulties, never mind the notion of prevention”
Students all have their own personalities, which affects their actions within the classroom. Many times, a students’ behavior is caused by outside factors causing them to act out with disruptive behaviors and disciplinary issues. During these times, a teacher must have a behavior management approach to deter similar behaviors in the future. Many first time teachers are unable to handle dealing with the behaviors and leave their jobs making it all the more important to come up with an effective behavior management approach to curtail those worrisome behaviors before it gets to that point (Sugai, 2009). In an effort to thoroughly discuss an efficient behavior management approach, a common disciplinary problem within classroom and the foundation of the issue will be considered. A combination of approaches may be to needed to stop behavioral issues, such as providing motivation and establishing rules and procedures in a clear way will deter behavioral issues. Finally, an in-depth look at the steps needed in order to implement the approach into the classroom.
Many teachers are faced with the difficult task of managing their student’s behavior. Even if we
As it can be seen behaviorism is a major part of any classroom. For if one student acts out then the rest might get the idea that they can also act out in class and not receive punishment for it. It is also good to have a classroom management in place. Classroom management is also called behavior management. As it states in A Beginning Teaching Portfolio Handbook, “For these teachers, motivated students are those who do what they are told to do when they are told to do it.” (Foster,Walker,Song, pg. 99, para. 9) Which means when a
My classroom management philosophy is rooted in B.F. Skinner’s Behavior Modification theory. I believe that negative and positive reinforcements are a key aspect in classroom management. Providing reinforcement increases the probability that a desired behavior will occur, while undesired behaviors will stop because they are not being reinforced (Manning and Bucher 47). Students who are demonstrating unacceptable behaviors may even begin to change their behavior in hopes of gaining approval through reinforcement (Manning and Bucher 47). In particular, I advocate for this theory because it also serves as another way to continuously reiterate classroom expectations. Through daily dialogue in the classroom, students will be able to understand which behaviors are supported, acceptable, and encouraged and which behaviors are ignored, unacceptable, and discouraged. Continuously putting this into practice will foster a supportive classroom climate with clear expectations. Throughout my field experiences in Horry County, I have seen this strategy used with success. I believe that once I have established relationships with my students this will be the most effective course of action for modifying their misbehaviors.
In regards to behavior management, I use a combination of positive discipline and discipline with dignity. As defined by Fredric Jones, positive discipline emphasizes that teachers can help students to support their self-control (Gage, 2015). This management theory aligns with behaviorism and is carried out in my classroom through strong classroom structure where the rules and routines are clearly defined. Additionally, there is a leveled behavior chart hanging on the front wall where each student can visually see and monitor their behavior for that
It is important for a classroom teacher to set behavior goals for his or her students. Behavior goals should be directly related to the classroom management plan. Students should be expected to treat their peers and teachers with respect, show respect for classroom property, are kind and courteous in all speech and actions, work diligently to accomplish assigned tasks, and demonstrate self-respect and honesty. Establishing clear and consistent goals for the operation of the classroom helps to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and lends itself to alleviating opportunities for misbehavior. As a teacher I will work to provide my students with positive goals for appropriate behavior. I will also clearly define the consequences for misbehavior so that students understand fully the repercussions for failing to act in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the classroom management plan.
One must look at classroom management as a plan for what procedures students will follow throughout the day. Teachers must understand their role in making sure students have a successful experience each day. Wong H. & Wong R., state “Effective teachers teach how to responsibly follow procedures” (2009, p. 165). To have a smooth-running classroom with minimal behaviors, students must be taught classroom procedures from the very first day. In my classroom we have procedures for many things we do each day. Some of these are arrival of children, snack time, lining up and walking down the hallway, and cleaning up centers. I have been teaching these procedures for many years with much success.
Today schools are faced with an overwhelming amount of behavior problems as a result they have incorporated programs to help create a positive culture within each school system. Several behavior management programs have been implemented in schools all over the United States therefore the school environment can run more smoothly. Here are some approaches that aid in creating a positive and safe environment in schools.
Classroom management is a popular topic in education. Teachers are always looking for ways to improve their classroom environment, or new ways to deal with problem behaviors. For every person who has ever worked with children, there is an idea, a theory, as to how to best meet children’s needs. Early theorists provide the basis for many current behavior management ideas, and often include a combination of ideas. Theorists such as Abraham Maslow, Rudolf Dreikurs, William Glasser, and Stanley Coppersmith offer insight into the behavior and motivations of children that help teachers design strategies to prevent disruption and provide a positive learning environment for all students.
Teachers are not only expected to teach their students, but also provide an environment where everyone feels safe and can learn. Classroom management is a very important part of teaching. Students cannot learn in an unsafe, disruptive environment. This paper will discuss the strategy of SHAPING, how it is used to modify a student’s behavior, and give an example of how to modify a student’s behavior. This paper will also discuss my personal beliefs about classroom management, share rules and expectations for the classroom, rewards for individuals and the class, designing the classroom where the teacher is visible and there are no distractions, and discuss some classroom procedures and how they contribute to classroom management
Preventing misbehavior is widely preferable rather than dealing with it after it has occurred. A Preventive discipline plan involves steps taken in a classroom to avoid disciplinary problems. Potentially this discipline deals with the distractions in the classroom and how a classroom environment can be modified so it is more compatible with the learning needs of its children (Edwards, 2004). Preventive discipline plan refers to the strategies that can be implemented to inhibit inappropriate behaviors from occurring in the first place (T.L.Musy, Personal communication, October 10th, 2006). Kounin’s concepts of withitness and overlapping skills of a teacher help in preventing discipline problems (Evertson, Emmer, and Worsham,
When implementing a discipline program, it is important that a teacher identify the difference between misbehavior and off task behavior. Misbehavior is a more serious action and should be treated accordingly. Misbehavior includes actions that are pre-meditated, habitual, unsafe, or demeaning. Off-task behavior includes actions like, talking out of turn or with other students, doing activities other than what the teacher has assigned, and lack of following instructions. While both types of behavior cause unwanted classroom distraction and should not be tolerated, there is an important difference between the two that must be identified. In the case of off-task behavior, the strategy to guide the student back on-task may require imposing a consequence as well as making an adjustment to the classroom management plan in order to re-route the student. In the case of misbehavior, imposing a consequence along with the addition of recruiting support from parents or administration may be needed to retrain the behavior.(Ross, 2009)
Lee Canter’s assertive discipline model is likely most often used in classrooms where the teacher operates under a legitimate authority base. While studies show that students learn best in classrooms where teachers display efferent or expert authority bases, I believe that there is some definite value in using a legitimate authority base when it comes to class discipline and management. The assertive discipline model encourages teachers to be proactive and anticipate that students will break the rules (Canter, ) Another main focus of Canter’s model is using assertive command, which means the teacher does not retreat to a nonassertive passive stance or to a hostile response when students misbehave, but rather repeats the rule to the student over and over before making a corrective action. I believe that using assertive command in the classroom allows students the chance to correct their actions and think