A Response to “Teaching for Consequences.”

In the Kappa Delta Pi Record, fall 1998, J. Merrill Hansen writes that learning can only happen when teachers manage their classrooms.  By establishing rules, motivating students, and providing consequences for all actions, teachers are able to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.

Hansen understands that teachers have very demanding jobs and that providing structure for today’s youth is very challenging.  He suggests creating rules from the beginning and setting the boundaries for success.  He compares the mindful educator to the mindless educator and shows the huge difference between the educator who plans and the educator who acts impulsively.  I am reminded of classroom discussions when he says, “teachers with effective methods of control are usually proactive.”  I am beginning to see how important planning ahead is and the importance of establishing rules.  As our text explains, it is very important to have rules that the entire class helps to create.  I think this is a great way for students to feel a sense of personal commitment to the rules. 

Hansen makes it very clear that teachers should motivate the students.  He states that, “if students are devoid of interest and motivation, educators must create positive classroom conditions to increase the probability of attentive learning participation.  Rewarding pupils is one way to accomplish this goal.”  He places a strong emphasis on rewards as motivation.  I understand that all students will have different needs for rewards.  Some may need praise and recognition and some may be satisfied with making the grade.  I believe that it is important to make the reward interesting to the student.  If it is not interesting, there is not much chance that it will motivate them.

Once classroom rules and motivation are set in motion it is important to get students to understand consequences.  Hansen writes, “Part of the maturity process is accepting responsibility for one’s behavior.”  I believe that consequences can be positive or negative.  Students need to understand that everything they do has a consequence.  I want my students to understand that consequences follow them into their adult life.  When you cannot follow the rules of society you lose privileges.  I will be sure to have consequences set in my classroom that are fair with the rules. 

Hansen has a good grasp on classroom management.  I think if a teacher can set the boundaries with classroom rules and offer rewards and consequences, that teacher has a better chance of teaching.  A classroom must have structure and Hansen seems to have captured a way to create the optimal learning environment.  I will use the techniques he has suggested as I move into my classroom, and hopefully, I will have a very well managed classroom.