Determining Your Teaching Style

Authoritarian Firm limits and controlsNo interruptionsLess opportunity to practice communication

skillsVigorous disciplineExpects obedienceMinimal praise and encouragement

AuthoritativeLimits and controls, but simultaneously

encourages independenceExplains reasons behind the rules and

decisionsPolite, but firm discipline Open to considerable verbal interactionStudent knows they can interrupt the teacher

if they have a relevant question or commentEnvironment that supports practicing

communication skills

Laissez-faireFew demands and controls “Do your own thing” type of classroomTeacher accepts the student’s impulses and

actionsStrives to not hurt the student’s feelingsDifficulty saying NO, or enforcing rulesVery involved with the students, and cares for

themMinimal boundaries between professional and

personal lifeStudents don’t learn socially acceptable behavior

IndifferentNot very involved in the classroomFew demands on studentsGenerally appears uninterestedDon’t want to impose on students Feels class preparation is not worth the effort May use same materials for several yearsLacks skills, confidence, or courage to

discipline studentsStudents sense and reflect the teacher’s

attitude

Formal Authority Tend to focus on ContentTeacher -centeredTeacher feels responsible for providing and

controlling flow of contentNot concerned with building relationships Minimal student participation

Demonstrator Teacher –centered classEmphasis on demonstration and modelingActs as role modelDemonstrates skills and coaches/guides in

helping students develop and apply these skills

“It is important that my students can independently solve similar problems by using and adapting demonstrated methods”

Encourages student participation

FacilitatorFocus on activitiesStudent- centered learningMore responsibility placed on the students to

take the initiative for meeting the demands of the tasks

Works best for students who are comfortable with independent learning and who can actively participate and collaborate with other students

Group activities that necessitate active learning, student-to-student collaboration, problem solving

DelegatorPlace much control and responsibility for

learning on individuals or groups of studentsGive students choice to design their own

learning projects Act in a consultative roleActivities that necessitate active learning,

collaboration, problem solving

What is your teaching style…

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"I am the flashlight for my students; I illuminate the content and materials so that my students can see the importance of the material and appreciate the discipline."