Classroom Management Philosophy

Philosophy of Management Statement:

My role as a teacher to is to create a classroom based on a student-centered learning community where students feel welcomed, safe, and interested to collaborate and share. As a teacher, I will communicate in positive terms, give students an academic choice, and teach students how to self-reflect. I best identify with Dr. Marvin Marshall’s Raise Responsibility theory, with influences from Julie Diamond regarding routines and classroom norms. 

“Our classroom houses a small society. Each student is a citizen who acts in accordance with expected standards of behavior. With this in mind, rewards are not given for expected behavior—just as society does not give rewards for behaving properly. Also, irresponsible behavior is seen as an opportunity for growth, rather than for punishment. Our approach encourages students to exercise self-discipline through reflection and self-evaluation. Students learn to control their own behavior, rather than always relying on the teacher for control. We want our classroom to be encouraging and conducive to learning at all times. In this way, young people develop positive attitudes and behavioral skills that are so necessary for successful lives.” (Marshall, Marvin 2012).

The behavior system for my students is called the Raise Responsibility System, created by Dr. Marvin Marshall. Here is what it consists of:

 “The Raise Responsibility System

D   Democracy

<> Highest level of development

  Develops self-discipline

  Demonstrates Initiative

  Does good because it is the right thing to do

The motivation is internal.

C   Cooperation/Conformity

<> Appropriate and acceptable level

  Considerate

  Complies

  Conforms to peer pressure

The motivation is external.

B   Bossing/Bullying

<> Neither appropriate nor acceptable level of classroom behavior

  Bothers others

  Bullies others

Breaks laws and makes own rules and standards

Must be bossed to behave

A   Anarchy

<> Lowest level of behavior

  Absence of order

  Aimless and chaotic

  Absence of government

Anarchy is the fundamental enemy of civilization.

The difference between Levels C and D is often

In the motivation, rather than the action.”

 (Marshall, Marvin 2012)

This will be posted in my classroom, but with difficult words changed to kid-friendly words.