Blog Four, Theorist: Glasser

Glasser

As a prominent psychiatrist, William Glasser looked at developing a theory that looked at why children behave the way they do, rather than the subconscious. ‘The Choice Theory’ (http://tombellows.com/db1/00033/tombellows.com/_uimages/ChoiceTheoryBlockDiagram.gif)
is what Glasser developed. This theory is based on five basic needs that all humans have.
These are:

1. Safety - Positive learning environment, learning community

2. Love - Need to be told they are loved for who they are, not what they do, children will respond well when they know they belong

3. Power – we are satisfied when we are respected and have a sense of importance, we need it to regulate our lives, not ‘power over’ but ‘power to’

4. Freedom – encourages individual though, decision making skills, too much control causes rebellion but enough freedom creates a necessary balance

5. Fun – being interested and experiencing enjoyment, ‘fun’ is different from ‘entertainment’, a basic need to all humans (Marsh, 2004 pp. 203)



Glasser believe that with each of these five needs in place a child can learn effectively. He believes that all behaviour is purposeful, and to be effective teachers we need to think about
a. ”Why the child is acting like this?”

b. “How can I help the student behave in a way that will benefit them?”

The Choice Therapy theory also stems off this idea. Glasser states that the only one who can change your behaviour is you. He believes that power should be shared between the students and the teachers as it is a crucial function of effective learning. He is considered to be a non-interventionist teacher (Krause, 2003 pp. 464 - 466). The choice therapy is designed to allow teachers develop a way to guide the students into changing their own behaviour by not forcing them. It is heavily based on relationships and understanding that all behaviour is need driven.

I agree with Glasser’s theory and it will be an integral part of my teaching. The Choice Theory explains the basic needs of all humans and the Choice Therapy allows us to be in control of our own behaviour and change what we feel is necessary. Glasser’s theory relates to the management of the classroom, which will be incorporated in my teaching style.