As a person who strives to control every single situation possible, and who tends to plan

things out to the second (no, seriously I carry three planners at all times) when I first approached

this assignment, I assumed that, as a teacher, I would tend to lean toward high-control models

and methods in my classroom. However, for the most part, I have realized that most of the

philosophies behind high-control management theories, I strongly disagree with. At its core, I do

believe and agree with several of the approaches, such as the concept of Behavior

Modification set forth by B.F. Skinner which allows students to shape their behavior using a

system of punishments and reinforcements. But, as an educator, I do not believe that these

particular methods would be effective in my classroom, and how I plan on teaching. After

researching, I have decided that I would like to incorporate principles of both medium and low

level of controls in the classroom. As a teacher, I want to build a classroom that allows students

to, most importantly, feel safe both individually, and safe to collaborate with one another in any

capacity. The classroom should be an environment where each person who enters is treated with

dignity and respect, and allows students to make the choices that will allow them to succeed both

academically and civically. There are a few medium and low levels of control philosophies that I

strongly agree with, and I believe would work in a classroom environment that I have described

and would like to establish in the future.

For example, Ginotts theory of Congruent Communication allows an open line of

communication in teacher-student relationships that stress cooperation as well as acceptance.

The next control theory that I would like to incorporate into my classroom management

philosophy is Gordons Discipline as Self-Control theory, this theory allows students to take

ownership of problems and misbehaviors, which again, allows for an open-line of

communication between teacher-student relationships. Both of these philosophies are low-

control theories, which as a guiding principle, I find these philosophical models will help

establish the environment of openness and safety in the classroom. The next two philosophical

models which I am going to discuss are medium level of control methods, that, I believe will

allow my classroom to flourish as well. Kagens theory of Win-Win Discipline allows teachers

to work with students in order to meet their individual, specific needs to create a non-disruptive

environment. This method, to me, is important because it stresses the importance of cooperation

between teacher and students. Finally, the last philosophy I would like to incorporate is

Dreikurs philosophy of Logical Consequences. For me, this might be the most important

element as it allows students to be responsible for themselves to know the rules and

consequences to their actions as individual people.

The goal, for me as a teacher, is to facilitate learning, give students a sense of autonomy,

and give them the choices they need to succeed as individuals. I believe that the culmination of

these theories will lead to the classroom being an inclusive, open, and trusting environment,

which again will help students gain a sense of autonomy. By combining Kagen, Dreikurs,

Gordon, and Ginotts theories I will be able to have a mixed amount of control over my

classroom, where students know that I am there as their teacher, guide, and facilitator but also as

their leader. Through including these theories into my personal classroom, the goal of having an

inclusive, open, and trusting classroom environment should be met.