Management Styles, Classroom Control & Power

A teacher uses a mix of student involvement and power in controlling a class.

Controlling a classroom is all about mixing involvement with control over the students, according to noted developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind. Teachers tend to fall into one of four areas where the two dimensions mix, but may be inconsistent in sticking to one type of style. While external sociocultural and political factors certainly play a role in education, the management style and type of power the teacher wields over the class is very important.

Authoritarian

An authoritarian style teacher is characterized by high control of students but low involvement with them. In this style of classroom management, a teacher outlines strict rules and punishments, according to developmental psychology studies by Baumrind. The teacher is seen as a powerful figure who transfers his or her knowledge to the students, seen as empty containers, who do not interrupt. This style is seen as traditional, and in such a classroom students may be reluctant to initiate activities or progress.

Authoritative

High student involvement and high control mark the authoritative teacher. This teacher provides rules and boundaries, but explains the reasons why and how the rules fit into the larger societal context, says academic Dimitris Thanasoulas. This gives the students an insight into the learning process. Student-teacher relationships are close. Interruptions may be tolerated if the content is relevant to the learning process. Verbal debates and interaction are encouraged, and students have a chance to practice communication skills.

Laissez-faire

The laissez-faire teacher may be highly involved with his or her students' lives, but does not highly control the classroom, according to developmental psychologist Baumrind.The students' feelings are primarily taken into account when making teaching decisions. With fewer demands placed on them, students feel freer to engage in interactions with each other and express viewpoints. Some psychologists say that this style of classroom management produces immature students with low leadership skills, self-restraint and basic academic knowledge.

Indifferent

The indifferent teacher has little control over the class and low involvement with students. He or she may feel that preparing for class is unnecessary and students are generally left to their own devices. The students are encouraged and supported in their autonomous efforts. This type of teacher usually lacks confidence and skills to control the classroom, developmental psychologists say. An indifferent teaching style can produce students who have low motivation and lack self-restraint.

References

• Classroom Management Styles: ISU Physics Teacher Education Program
• Classroom Management Styles: Where do you stand?: from dimitristhanasoulas.com