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Strengths and weaknesses of the theory of Democratic teaching

StrengthsMake consequences understandableEncouragement (Positive reinforcement)Promotes autonomyRedirect pupils behaviourForm mutual respectFocus on causes of misbehaviourLogical consequences works better than punishments

Make consequences understandable

Encouragement1) Encouragement is a acknowledgement of an effort2) Encouragement helps students evaluate their own performance3) Encouragement is a message between equals.4) Encouragement stimulates cooperation5) Encourage stimulates helpfulness

Encouragement (Positive reinforcement)Dreikurs believes that natural/logical consequences and the process of encouragement are the most useful techniques for preventing discipline problems.What is encouragement ? what is praise ?According to Dreikurs, encouragement is more important than any other aspect of child raising because a misbehaving child is a discouraged child. Encouragement corresponds so well to childrens goals. Children seek approval and encouragement is a legitimate way to do it.Encouragement focuses on effort rather than achievement, so it gives positive feedback to children who are trying hard but may be unsuccessful. Encouragement motivates them to continue trying. Praise is very different from encouragement. It focuses on the level of achievement.

Promotes autonomy

Redirect pupils behaviourElementary Case StudyBessie is repeating the third grade. Her learning rate is probably low. In math she will put anything down for an answer or she might put down no answer at all. She seems afraid to recite. Dreikurs concludes that the child is functioning on a lower level than her ability allows. Bessie's teacher has spoken with the class about the importance of being good listeners. It was decided and agreed upon that while one student was reading aloud other students would wait to raise their hands until the teacher asked for input. This would encourage students like Bessie to recite without feeling nervous or interrupted. Dreikurs notes how this strategy was effective in inducing the whole class to give Bessie support and encouragement. The teacher also began giving Bessie more time to finish her work. By the next week, Bessie had improved a great deal. The teacher remarked that she was proud of Bessie, drew a smiling picture on her paper, and solicited encouragement from the principal as well. Bessie's teacher, by identifying Bessie's fear of failure during recital and removing pressure, allowed Bessie to discover that she could solve the problems. After this realization, Bessie was soon able to work at a faster pace. Furthermore, by encouraging Bessie, the teacher nurtured Bessie's pride in her accomplishments (Dreikurs, 1968, p.178).

Form mutual respectA interaction and communication process between the teacher and pupils is often two way.Pupils are encouraged to air their opinions through discussion.Teacher set rules together with the pupils.Pupils will obey to the rules because these are the rules that they have discuss and agreed together.Pupils will also have the sense of belongings.

Focus on causes of misbehaviour

Logical consequences works better than punishmentsIf a student writes on the walls of the school,The teacher may keep her after school(punishment)The teacher may ask the student to clean the walls(logical consequence)If a student damages classroom materials,The teacher may send a note to the students parents(punishment)The teacher may prevent the students use of classroom materials until he chooses to use them properly(logical consequence)If a student is late for the class,The teacher may keep her after school(punishment)The teacher may ask the student to wait at the door until she receives a signal that her late arrival will no longer disturb the class(logical consequence)

WeaknessesDifficult to respond to non controllable pupilsMay have problem in engaging conversationTrouble determining the actual motives

Difficult to respond to non controllable pupilsTeacher might face difficulties while teaching non controllable pupils in a democratic classroom because teacher is not encourage to punish the pupils.This is because according to Dreikurs, he did not believe that punishment is one of the techniques to prevent disciplinary problems.