Which of the 4 different classroom management styles is best? (2023)

When it comes to effective teaching, it is critical to create a learning environment in which students feel safe, familiar, and motivated to learn. As a teacher, a large part of setting up this learning environment depends on your ability to maintain control of the classroom. This is where class management comes into play.

The classroom management approach you take in your classroom will directly impact your effectiveness as a teacher. But how do you know which approach works best for you and your students? Let's take a look at the four different types of instructional leadership styles and how each affects student outcomes.

Exploring the 4 different types of instructional leadership styles

In the 1960s, Diana Baumrind, a developmental psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley, conducted a study on children's behavior. She observed the preschool-age children and noted that each child exhibited unique behaviors. During her research, Baumrind developed a theory that different parenting styles can lead to different child development and behavioral outcomes.

1966, based on his observations, interviews and analyses,Baumrind identified three distinct parenting styles.: authoritarian, authoritarian and permissive parenting. Since then, researchers have discovered that these parenting styles apply to teaching as well, and have added a fourth: lenient teaching.

how is thereclose relationship between children's behavior and parenting styleaffecting their development, there is also a strong correlation between student behavior and teaching style. Let's examine in a little more detail how these four types of classroom management differ from each other.

1. Authoritarian style of class leadership

The authoritarian teaching style refers to a teacher who is in complete control of his or her classroom. Authoritative teachers create a highly structured learning environment with a strong emphasis on rules. They expect unwavering obedience from their students and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior in the classroom. If students do not behave exactly as expected, they will be severely punished, regardless of the circumstances.

In addition, teachers who use an authoritarian style of classroom management tend to have low levels of engagement with their students. They avoid looking for opportunities to socialize and know very little about the lives of their students. As a result, children in authoritarian classes often feel intimidated, distrustful, and distant from their teachers, making it difficult for them to want to learn.

Because authoritative teachers prefer a structured, relaxed learning environment, they often opt for face-to-face instruction.cooperative learning strategies. They expect students to simply absorb the information rather than play a role in building their knowledge. Teachers with an authoritarian teaching style do not encourage collaboration or active discussion, often resulting in a poor classroom culture and an uninspiring learning environment.

2. Authority-oriented leadership style in the classroom

Although the names sound similar, authorized teachers and authorized teachers are very different. Like authoritarian teachers, educators with an authoritarian classroom style have a high level of control over their classrooms. Unlike licensed teachers, however, they also have high levels of student engagement.

Authoritative teachers are strict but fair. They set rules and apply them consistently, but they also value the input of their students. If a student has comments about classroom rules or ideas to improve the learning environment, the teacher will graciously accept the suggestions and make whatever changes he deems appropriate.

that kind of teacherexpect students to participateand work together according to the rules. An authoritative teacher encourages students to engage in active discussion and collaboration, but clearly communicates his expectations before dismissing students at his own expense. Giving students direction and giving them the freedom to take their learning into their own hands.The authoritative approach to teaching encourages autonomy.and a strong sense of responsibility.

In addition, educators with an authoritative teaching style are invested in the success of their students. Unlike authoritarian teachers, who blame their students when they don't achieve desired results, authoritarian teachers examine all contributing factors. They care about the personal lives of their students and understand the challenges inside and outside of the classroom.

Influential teachers consider the unique circumstances of their students when setting expectations and determining the appropriate consequences for breaking rules. you too consistentlygive positive reinforcement for a good job. For these reasons, an authoritative approach to classroom management is ideal for both students and teachers. Teachers are respected and appreciated by their students, and students are socially competent and responsible.

3. Free teaching style

Permissive teachers are the complete opposite of authorized teachers. They have low levels of student engagement and control over their classroom. Educators who adopt a permissive teaching style are heavily criticized. They do not plan classes or activities in advance and often improvise; they rely heavily on movies and books to occupy their time.

Permissive teachers do not set rules or punish bad behavior. Students are given too much freedom, resulting in a messy and unproductive learning environment. Because the permissive classroom is so unpunitive and unstructured, students often take control without prompting from the teacher.

Having lost their passion for teaching, outspoken teachers are not invested in the success of their students. They interact very little with students and rarely address their needs. As a result, students who are subjected to a permissive teaching style often fail to grow academically and socially in this type of learning environment. Without control or participation in the classroom, a permissive teacher cannot help their students reach their full potential.

4. Forgiving classroom leadership

Like permissive teachers, those with a permissive approach to classroom management have little control over their classroom. Forgiving teachers often live by the philosophy that highly structured classrooms undermine students' personal growth and self-esteem. Therefore, they allow students to express themselves freely and make their own decisions without limits. This usually means that students have a lot of freedom.

Unlike permissive teachers, lenient teachers have a very high level of commitment to their students. They care deeply about their students and what is going on in their lives, but they tend to be very friendly. Consequently, forgiving teachers are generally liked by their students who feel comfortable talking to them. However, these teachers often lose their authority as the students only see them as friends.

Forgiving teachers care not only about their students' personal lives, but also about their students' success. theyprepare daily lessons,But because of their lack of control and authority, forgiving teachers find themselves pushed around by their students and struggle to redirect them. This leads to an unproductive classroom with little learning.

Choosing the best classroom management style

When deciding which of the four different types of classroom leadership styles is right for you, consider which approach best suits your philosophy and teaching goals. Here are some questions to consider to guide your thinking:

• What are your goals as a teacher?
• Why do you want to work with students?
• How would you like your students to see you?
• What happens in a successful learning environment?
• Where do you want your students to be at the end of the year (academic/social/emotional)?

It is important to note that no teacher consistently fits into a single category. Students are all unique and different situations call for different practices. However, researchers have found that the closer a teacher is to an authoritarian approach, the greater the effect it will have on their students. Classroom management is the most important aspect of a successful classroom, but finding the right balance between control and participation requires some trial and error.

Seyou are a new teacher, take the time to find out what works best for you. Try different classroom management strategies and see how they affect your students. Then ask yourself if the strategy is having a positive or negative impact on student outcomes. Once you've answered this question, change your approach as needed until you find the right balance.

On the other hand, if you are a more experienced teacher, take time to reflect on your leadership style in the classroom and adjust as needed. Many teachers do not intentionally choose to be permissive or lenient, but their choices cause them to lose control of their classroom. Don't let the wrong approach get in your way. It's never too late to change your teaching style to better serve your students!