United 4 Children Deborah D. Taylor February 14, 2014
Today’s objectives: 1. Know yourself and how you teach 2. Reflect on your students, how they learn and what they need 3. Adjust #1 to best fit #2
What is your teaching style? “ I am the world’s best teacher – before, during or afterschool,” she said with total confidence.
Effective Teachers are both Warm and Demanding Being warm means caring and showing emotional support for students Being demanding – in the good sense – means expecting something from your kids, both in terms of academic work and behavior
WARM SWITCH DEMANDING SWITCH Depending on whether the warm and demanding switches are in the “ON” or “OFF” position, will tell us the 4 fundamental teaching styles
AUTHORITARIAN: Demanding ON, Warm OFF Quick to jump on EVERY behavior that is not acceptable Support and positive reinforcement are rare May use a loud voice to get attention Shocked, angry when her directives are not followed Frequently get immediate compliance from her students Students usually anxious Minimal long-term positive effectives
PERMISSIVE: Demanding OFF, Warm ON Too “Nice” Want students to like them, want to be helpful Warm and supportive Not good at setting limits Focus on effort while de-emphasizing quality of work Disruptive behaviors may be ignored, handled with soft spoken reprimands or pleading The cost – classroom out of control, constructive learning does not flow well Students do not feel they can trust her to take care of problem situations
DETACHED: Demanding OFF, Warm OFF Neither warm nor demanding Sits apart from children while they are working Students needing extra emotional support will not get it Students needing firm behavioral limits will not get it May miss important “warning signs” from students having trouble, academically or behaviorally Some students withdraw, feeling unimportant Other kids may increase their acting out behavior
AUTHORITATIVE: Demanding ON, Warm ON Though this is the Ideal”, this approach is far from easy Positive, kind and supportive relationship with students The children know when she “means business” Has an effective discipline plan, orderly classroom Students respect and trust her More time for academics Teacher feels empowered and energized because she sees positive growth and development in her students Her students feel safe and capable
KNOW Your own strengths and weaknesses Your personality Your comfort level How you react to different situations The above things about your children, as a group and individually Adapt – by making it work for your children, you make it work for you
WHAT’S YOUR STYLE? Did you discover anything different about your teaching style? What?