An essential book for instructors of any kind is "Setting Limits in the Classroom," a classroom management book by Robert MacKenzie. Unfortunately, classroom management is hardly, if ever, taught in university programs for teacher candidates, yet it is one of the most vital aspects of teaching. MacKenzie offers simple explanations of the different types of disciplinarians in the classroom, what kind is the most effective, and how to develop a discipline plan that reflects it.
As I read MacKenzie's book, I couldn't help but think about its applicability to the world's most famous teachers: the teachers of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thus, what follows is an analysis of classroom management based on the teachers of the "Harry Potter" series.
Sybill Trelawney (The Permissive Teacher) (Portrayed by Emma Thompson in the films)
Aside from a dismal record of making false predictions, Professor Trelawney isn't much of an effective teacher or effective classroom manager.
Imagine if a police officer pulled someone over for running a red light. The police officer pleads with the driver: "Driving past a red light is very dangerous. I'm concerned about your safety. Next time, could you please obey the traffic laws? Okay?" This isn't how you would expect a police officer to do his job, and you wouldn't expect a teacher to perform her job this way either. This is the example MacKenzie uses to describe the permissive teacher.
The rise of permissive teachers came about in the later half of the 20th century in reaction to the stricter classroom management style of before. The classroom was to be more democratic, with students given more of a role in classroom management. But democracy without rules isn't democracy--it's anarchy.
Unfortunately, many teachers (myself included) start off as permissive teachers. There is a desire to be liked by the students, and teachers tend to think that being liked and being respected is a two-for-one deal. Alas, it isn't. Students often start the semester not necessarily with respect, but with research. That is, students are constantly researching to see what kind of disciplinarian their teachers will be. When students test the teacher and find that no consequences are given for violating the rules, the students have nothing to fear.
In the "Harry Potter" series, Professor Trelawney is one such teacher. When Hermione loses her temper in class, she storms out of the classroom, knocks Trelawney's magic ball to the floor, and there is no consequence for her action. Trelawney simply shrugs it off; "Was it something I said?" she asks. Instead of letting Hermione off the hook, Trelawney didn't need to show anger or a loss of temper, but instead she could have given Hermione a choice, and if Hermione were to choose the wrong behavior, a consequence would be given. This will be elaborated on later.
Severus Snape (The Autocratic Teacher) (Portrayed by Alan Rickman in the films)
Imagine that same traffic violation scenario. Instead of pleading, the officer immediately removes the driver from the car, smacks him over the head with a club, and forces his face down on the hood of the car while the driver is handcuffed. This is how, according to MacKenzie, an autocratic teacher reacts, or rather overreacts, to situations. There is a high amount of anger, personal feelings, and being unfair.
This is exactly what kind of teacher Snape is. Sure, he saved Harry thousands of times and loved his mother, and blah blah blah. But as a teacher, while it can't be doubted that he is exceptionally intelligent, he rules the classroom with an iron fist. He frequently insults Harry over his "cheek" and calls Hermione an "insufferable know-it-all." He even from time to time relies on physical force, thrusting his students' heads down into their books.
J.K. Rowling agrees with this characterization of Snape as a teacher, remarking that the "worst, shabbiest thing you can do as a teacher is to bully students." An autocratic teacher can be very cruel, to the point where students don't respect the teacher but instead despise him. This can lead to unnecessary power struggles between the teacher and student, as is the case between Snape and Harry.
("Severus" is Latin for "stern," which is where the word "severe" comes from.)
Minerva McGonagall (The Democratic Teacher) (Portrayed by Maggie Smith in the films)
Some teachers are permissive, too nice and leading a class with no demand for respect or consequences and a high probability of burnout by the end of the year. Some teachers are too autocratic, acting as a dictator does with overreaction and fear. Some teachers shift between one or the other, perhaps starting off as a kind of permissive teacher, and then when things are obviously out of control, the teacher evolves into an autocratic teacher. The worst of both worlds are combined.
Some teachers, though, get it right: a firm, yet respectful approach. The respectful aspect is rather simple. Respect all the students as learners and human beings, be fair and treat all students with the same expectations regarding behavior. With the firm aspect, the teacher makes the rules and expectations clearly understood from day one, but just as important are the consequences for what happens when those rules are violated. That's the easy part; the harder part is following through. If a teacher gives a warning, then a consequence should be given if the rules are violated again. This is called by MacKenzie the democratic approach: give students a choice, and follow through if the poor choice is taken.
The teacher that embraces this type of teaching is Professor Minerva McGonagall. When teaching a spell called transfiguration, she warns her students that "anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned." She has allowed her students to make a choice, and the consequence is one that will likely not lead to any damaged relationships or power struggles. She has shown evidence of following through with her consequences, as she requires both Ron and Harry to stay in detention when they act foolishly. She treats her students equally, being impartial when Harry accuses Draco of being responsible for dark activity in the school.
There you have it. If you're a teacher and unsure how to lead your classroom, when in doubt, look to Hogwarts.
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