Presented by:Presented by:

Lucy BatistaLucy BatistaLouise BigourdinLouise Bigourdin

Janna KostiukJanna Kostiuk

“It has become clear that trying to force students to learn or behave responsibly is hopeless. Schools would do far better if they emphasized three things three things that have been shown to produce the results we want”

-William Glasser

The Three Things…The Three Things…1. Provide a curriculumcurriculum that is genuinelygenuinely

attractiveattractive to students

2. Use non-coercive discipline non-coercive discipline to help students make responsible choices that lead to personal success

3. Strongly emphasize qualityquality in all aspects of teaching and learning

“We simply can not expect students to work and behave properly in school unless they believe that if they do some work, they will be able to satisfy their needs enough so that it makes sense to keep working.”

-William Glasser

Some Basic Principles of Some Basic Principles of Choice TheoryChoice TheoryStudent behaviour is determined by student

choice not teacher controlAll we do is behaveAlmost all behavior is chosenWe are driven by our genes to satisfy our five

basic needs

Choice Theory in the Choice Theory in the Classroom…Classroom…

The use of team learning and collaboration creates excitement for learning

Provide opportunities for students to take an active role in their learning

Ask students to identify what they would like to explore in depth; they must also be able to explain why it is valuable

Use of inquiry projects

Discussion… Discussion… 1. What choices do you regularly provide

students in your classroom?

2. Would students say that you provide them with opportunities to make choices and decisions?

3. Do you believe that a classroom climate is enhanced when students feel they have some choice?

Dr. Robert Brooks

“Students will not willingly engage in schoolwork unless if offers interesting activities to meet their basic needs basic needs for security, belonging, power, fun and freedom.”

- William Glasser

“The only parts I don’t like about school are the

subjects.”

Basic Needs…Basic Needs…SurvivalSurvival – school environment is safe and free from

personal threatBelongingBelonging – receive attention from the teacher and

others and participate actively in class concernsPowerPower – when students are asked to participate in

decision making about topics covered, procedures in class, class duties, work and talk with others, interesting activities

FreedomFreedom – allow students to make responsible choices of what and how to study, and then how they will demonstrate that

FunFun – when activities are of genuine interest to students, they are more likely to engage in their learning

Quality TeachingQuality TeachingProvide a warm, supportive classroom climateUse lead teaching lead teaching rather than boss teachingAsk students only to do work that is usefulAlways ask the students to do the best they canAsk students to evaluate work they have done

and improve itHelp students recognize that doing qualityquality workwork

makes them feel goodHelp students see that quality work is never

destructive to oneself, others, or the environment

Four Essentials of Four Essentials of Lead TeachersLead Teachers1. Constantly engage students in discussions of

what quality is.2. Model activities so students know what is

expected, and seek suggestions for changing or improving upon the activity.

3. Negotiate with students criteria to assess quality work and ask students to self-assess according to these established criteria.

4. Ensure students are provided with: the necessary conditions, a safe environment, the appropriate skills, and a non coercive atmosphere.

www.leading-learning.co.nz

“We can not control anyone besides ourselves. We cannot “make” students do anything, but we can influence them to do things that lead to better behavior and increased success.”

- William Glasser

Quality Teaching Quality Teaching Related to DisciplineRelated to Disciplineavoid adversarial positionwork with students to establish standards of

conduct in the classroomnatural discussions about class behavior get students to decide what should happen when

behavior agreements are broken. ask students, “What can I do to help?”when agreements and consequences are

established then all should sign it hold class meetings

How to Intervene How to Intervene When Rules are When Rules are Broken…Broken…Interventions should be non-punitiveAcknowledge there is a problemAttach no emotionLet them know that you will help when the child has

calmed downIf the child does not calm down then they are asked to

“time out” of the lesson (move to another table). He/she can move back to their spot when they are calm

Discuss the problem when time allowsSpend no time finding out whose fault it isYou are only looking for a solution “What were you

doing?” How can we work things out so this won’t happen again?”

“Glasser believes most problems between teachers and students are caused by unsatisfactory relationships.”

Avoid the seven seven deadly habitsdeadly habits in teaching:

Replace them with the seven connecting seven connecting habitshabits::

CriticizingBlamingComplainingNaggingThreateningPunishingRewarding students to

control them

CaringListeningSupportingContributingEncouragingTrustingBefriending

“A major role of teachers is to help students make the behaviour choices that lead to proper behavior and high-quality learning.”

-William Glasser

Current Events…Current Events…Watch the following video clip with a critical critical

eyeeye. According to Glasser’s Choice Theory, what would he argue? Do you agree or disagree?

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/05/06/man-late-assignments-docked.html

Critical Debate:Critical Debate: “Ask students to do their

best work on the assignments. Do not grade their work, because grades suggest to students that the work is finished.”

“Nobody will fail or receive a low grade… The primary objective is to do competent work. Encourage students to work for higher quality to help them learn what it feels like to do A level work.”

William Glasser

“Allan certainly has heard a lot of reaction from Manitobans who want students to get used to the demands of the real world they will enter after graduation.”

“We live in a world in which students will have employers who expect them to be on time and meet deadlines.

Education MinisterNancy Allan

CriticismsCriticismsGlasser’s Beliefs Critical PointsNo Fail Policy/Revision

Process

Student Choice

Befriending Students

No real deadlines

Teachers afraid of giving up control

Standards testing/Meeting curricular outcomes

Teachers not viewed as authority figure

Discussion…Discussion…CASE: Kristina Will Not Work

Kristina, a student in Mr. Jake’s class, is quite docile. She socializes little with other students and never disrupts lessons. However, despite Mr. Jake’s best efforts, Kristina will not do her work. She rarely completes an assignment. She is simply there, putting forth no effort at all. What would Glasser suggest to help Kristin and Mr. Jake?

How to Help Kristina How to Help Kristina Using Choice TheoryUsing Choice TheoryMr. Jake needs to…Think carefully about the classroom program,

determine whether the are obstacles impeding Kristina's basic needs

Discuss the situation with Kristina (no blaming, noting the no productivity and asking how he can help)

Show interest in her and be willing to be her friend. Talk to her in a friendly and courteous way about non school matters

Encourage and support her

ResourcesResources……

Books written by Glasser:

Other Resources

1965 – 1985 Reality Therapy: A new approach to Psychiatry

1969 – Schools without Failure 1986 – Control Theory in the

Classroom 1996 – changed the name to

Choice Theory 1998 – The Quality School:

Managing Students without Coercion

Choice Theory in the Classroom

The Quality School Teacher 2001 – Every Student can

Succeed

Dr. Robert Brooks