1. Philosophy of Classroom Management 1

2. DeAnn Lechtenberger — Principle Investigator Nora Griffin-Shirley — Project Coordinator Doug Hamman — Project Evaluator Tonya Hettler—Business Assistant Financial Support for Project IDEAL is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, with Federal funds* made available by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. *$599,247 (74%) DD funds; $218,725 (26%) non-federal resources. The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the funding agency[s]. No official endorsement should be inferred. 2

3. Developing ideas about classroom management that are reflective of one’s dispositions, attitudes, goals, and objectives helps to guide teaching, classroom management, treatment of children, and other characteristics of an effective teacher 3

4.  The word philosophy comes from “philo” meaning “love” and “sophos” meaning “wisdom or teaching”.  A teaching philosophy is a statement of a systematic and critical rationale that focuses on the important components defining teaching and learning in a particular discipline or content.  More simply, it is why you do what you do. (Schonwetter, Dieter J., Sokal, L., Friesen, M. and Taylor, K. L.,(2002). 4

5. Generally, a philosophy of teaching should include the following components :  Definition of teaching  Definition of learning  View of the learner  Goals and expectations of the student-teacher relationship  Discussion of teaching methods  Discussion of evaluation (Schonwetter et al, 2002). 5

6. Activity 1. In two minutes, brainstorm personal dispositions or beliefs for working with students. Examples might include: Every student deserves a safe and secure learning environment. 2. After brainstorming ideas, class members share ideas. Encourage students to “borrow” ideas that reflect important ideas they left off their own list. 3. After all students have had an opportunity to share brainstorming ideas, have students look at the list and try to identify two or three main themes reflected in the list. Examples might include a motivating and encouraging environment, appreciation of individual differences, or an organized learning environment. 6

7. 4. Using these themes from the brainstorming list, organize each of the ideas into one of the themes. 5. Develop the two or three important themes that will have the most positive impact on the classroom, learning, and students. 6. Create a draft of a personal philosophy. 7. Share the draft with two or three other members of the class and discuss ideas that are unclear or are underdeveloped. 8. Complete a final draft and include in the classroom management plan notebook. 7

8. DeAnn Lechtenberger, Ph.D. Principle Investigator deann.lechtenberger@ttu.edu Tonya Hettler Business Assistant tonya.hettler@ttu.edu Webpage: www.projectidealonline.org Phone: (806) 742-1997, ext. 302 8