Managing a positive classroom environment is critical to being an effective teacher. The following paper examines the fundamental principles, strengths and weaknesses of three models of classroom management; Applied Behaviour Analysis, Assertive Discipline, and … It will conclude by summarising the similarities and differences between the models.
Alberto and Troutman’s (as cited in Lyons, Ford, & Slee, 2014) Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) model has its roots situated in Skinner’s early work on behaviour modification. Consequently, the principles of behaviourism provide the foundation for the ABA model. In the classroom the teacher maintains absolute control of students by altering the environment in order to encourage desired behaviour and discourage undesirable behaviour, while providing consequences in the form of rewards and punishment (Lyons et al., 2014). This is based on the notion that behaviours are enacted willingly and can be changed by controlling the environment and “reinforcing consequences” (Lyons et al., 2014, p. 29). Accordingly, students quickly comprehend there are immediate rewards for ideal behaviours and…
As the name suggests, the teacher controls students in an assertive manner as classroom leader. Central to Assertive Discipline is the principle that students require definitive rules and structure to control behaviours and an authoritative teacher to ensure compliance (Lyons et al., 2014). In the Assertive Discipline classroom the teacher is responsible for providing students with explicit teaching of rules, and the positive and negative consequences that apply to obedience or misbehaviour (Lyons et al., 2014). Consequences for noncompliance are set based on a “discipline hierarchy” (Charles, 2013, p. 43) where the ramifications of misbehaviour increase with each…