Student Autonomy and Classroom Management

Students from 402 showed me that when students have autonomy in their own classroom it supports a positive classroom management plan. For example, an activity they did today was to come up with classroom expectations as groups for brainstorming. Ideas from each group were compiled into a class list and students individually found overall themes throughout. They had time to independently look at the class list of expectations and make a choice on what was most important to to them. As a class they shared their ideas of groups and then made a list of 5 final expectations together as a whole class. Expectations were written on a poster board and each student signed their name. Also I've notice that my master teacher will give students choices or if she decides on something she will ask what they think before putting something in action (do you think this is fair? how about we do this for 5 more minutes then move on?).

I really liked the use of student autonomy, not only to support the idea of a classroom management plan that is caring and emphasizes student involvement, but also gave students empowerment in THEIR classroom. Overall in my opinion this sharing of power builds a stronger sense of community in the classroom as well as a greater sense of respect from teacher to student and student to teacher.