Parenting Styles
There are four main parenting styles that psychologists agree upon. They are authoritative, indulgent, authoritarian, and neglectful (Baumrind, 1971). Authoritarian parents set strict rules for their children to follow, and they do not express much affection or warmth towards their children. This style can lead to social problems as well as difficulties thinking independently. The next style, neglectful, is neither loving nor demanding. These parents do not set limits or care much about their children at all. Indulgent parents love their children, but do not set boundaries or enforce the rules that they give them. They tend to accept a child’s behavior in a loving manner no matter what. Lastly, authoritative parents provide their children with expectations to help their children become responsible and well-rounded. They explain to their children why certain rules must be put into place to help the children succeed (Baumrind, 1971). An authoritative parenting style is the best because it encourages children to be self-sufficient. It also makes for an effective classroom management strategy because the teacher sets rules for the students to follow, while still being loving and helpful (5.5).
Therefore to apply the authoritative classroom management style, teachers must aim to show that they care for their students while still being sure to discipline them, so that the students can learn from their mistakes (5.2). In the future I will employ authoritative classroom management by holding high expectations for my students, but still letting them know that I care for them. I will expect my students to put their best efforts forth in my class. Students who participate and answer questions in class will receive higher participation grades. I also expect students to show detailed solutions in both their homework and their tests, so that I can see that they understand the material. Because I will expect a lot from my students, I plan to provide them with plenty of time to ask questions during class and after school. I will go over test problems to ensure that all students understand the solutions to all of the problems. Finally I intend to offer those that are willing to solve additional problems some extra credit to show that I care that they do well in my class, and that I appreciate extra work.