Procedure:

• Read each statement carefully.
• Write your response based on the scale below at the end of the question. Try to avoid using “3” as much as possible.
• Respond to each statement based upon either actual or imagined experience.
• Scoring instructions are below the questions. Do not score your results until directed to do so.

1. Strongly Disagree
2. Disagree
3. Neutral
4. Agree
5. Strongly Agree

____ 1.   If a student is disruptive during class, I assign a consequence without further discussion.
____ 2.   I don’t want to impose any rules on my students.
____ 3.   The classroom must be quiet in order for students to learn.
____ 4.   I am concerned about both what my students learn and how they learn.
____ 5.   If a student doesn’t complete an assignment, it is not my problem.
____ 6.   I don’t want to reprimand a student because it might hurt his/her feelings.
____ 7.   Class preparation isn’t worth the effort.
____ 8.   I always try to explain the reasons behind my rules and decisions.
____ 9.   I will not accept excuses from a student who is tardy.
____ 10. The emotional well-being of my students is more important than classroom control.
____ 11. My students understand that they can interrupt if they have a relevant question.
____ 12. If a student requests a leave from class, I always honour the request.

Scoring:

Add your responses to statements:
1,3,9 – this is your score for the authoritarian style     _____
4,8,11 – this is your score for the authoritative style     _____
6,10,12 – this is your score for the laissez-faire style     _____
2,5,7 – this is your score for the indifferent style     _____

The result is your classroom management profile. Your score for each management style can range from 3 to 15. A high score indicates a strong preference for that particular style. After you have scored your quiz and determined your profile, read the descriptions of each management style. You may see a bit of yourself in each one.

With time and experience, your preferred style may change and become more diverse or focused. Also, it may be necessary to rely on a specific style when dealing with a particular situation. Perhaps a successful teacher is one who can evaluate a situation and then apply the appropriate style. The intent of this exercise is simply to inform you and arouse your curiosity about classroom management styles.  

Do not be hard on yourself or take it too seriously.

Classroom Management Styles

Authoritarian

The authoritarian teacher places firm limits and controls on the students. Students will often have assigned seats for the entire term. Students must be in their seats at the beginning of class and they frequently remain there throughout the instructional period. This teacher rarely gives permission for students to be excused from class or recognizes excused absences.

Often, it is quiet. Students know they should not interrupt the teacher. Verbal exchange and discussion are discouraged. In this class, students need to follow directions and not ask why.

Students in this class are likely to be reluctant to initiate activity.  The teacher tells the students what to do and when to do it.  This teaching style does little to increase achievement and motivation.

A student comments on this management style:
I don’t really care for this teacher.  He is really strict and doesn’t seem to want to give his students a fair chance.  He seems unfair, although that’s just his way of getting his point across.

Authoritative

The authoritative teacher places limits and controls on the students but simultaneously encourages independence.  This teacher often explains the reasons behind the rules and decisions.  If a student is disruptive, the teacher offers a polite, but firm reprimand.

The authoritative teacher is also open to considerable verbal interaction. The students know that they can interrupt the teacher if they have relevant questions or comments. This environment offers the students the opportunity to learn and practice communication skills.

This teacher exhibits a warm and nurturing attitude toward the students and expresses genuine interest and affection. The classroom abounds with praise and encouragement.

A student comments on this management style:
I like this teacher. She is fair and understands that students can’t be perfect. She is the kind of teacher you can talk to without being put down or feeling embarrassed.

Laissez-faire

The laissez-faire teacher places few demands or controls on the students. “Do your own thing” describes this classroom. This teacher accepts the student’s impulses and actions and is less likely to monitor their behaviour. The teacher strives to not hurt the student’s feelings and has difficulty saying no to a student or enforcing rules. If a student disrupts the class, the teacher may assume that he is not giving the student enough attention.

This teacher is very involved with his students and cares for them very much. He is more concerned with the students’ emotional well-being than he is with classroom control. The teacher wants to be the students’ friend. It is difficult for students to learn socially acceptable behaviour when the teacher is so permissive.

A student comments on this management style:
This is a pretty popular teacher. You don’t have to be serious throughout the class. But sometimes things get out of control and we learn nothing at all.

Indifferent

The indifferent teacher is not very involved in the classroom. This teacher places few demands, if any, on the students. The indifferent teacher just doesn’t want to impose on the students. She often feels that class preparation is not worth the effort. This teacher may lack the skills, confidence, or courage to discipline students. The students have very few opportunities to observe or practice communication skills.

This teacher uses the same lessons plans every year, not updating them. A film will become a substitute rather than a supplement to a lesson. If there is time left at the end of class, she allows the students to talk quietly. As long as they don’t bother her, she doesn’t mind what they do.

A student comments on this management style:
This teacher can’t control the class and we never learn anything. We don’t even use the Bibles that were given to us when we started Sunday School.

Adapted from: Teacher Talk