Classroom Philosophy
Mr. Erdt's Classroom / Garinger High School
The BEST Entrepreneurship Class in the State of NC
Students are good and want to produce good things, and quality work. Enabling students to do so will increase motivation by building their confidence and enabling them to maintain dignity. I keep my class very structured, and use many leadership tactics that I have learning in the US Air Force. My classroom management style may seem authoritarian upon first glance, but my classroom structure is very community centered.
I give my students little freedom, in the lesson plan as I like to keep them very busy. Instilling professionalism and respect are my two main goals when it comes to expectations. I am preparing my students to be productive and happy citizens for the future.
Styling of the Classroom
- What will be your instructional style?
- My classroom style is authoritarian with the goal of community / collaborative learning. I keep my own standards and relationships with the students very formal, which gives the students motivation to build community with each-other. Inter-student community fosters collaboration while I maintain order as an onlooker to their cooperation with each-other.
- What teaching strategies will you use?
- I use positive reinforcements and clearly stated expectations rather than disciplinary actions and rules. I utilize procedure based classroom management.
- How will your teaching style impact your classroom-management plan?
- My teaching style brings students up to a higher level of expectations. When students realize what they can accomplish, their confidence and work ethic will improve.
Horseshoe Classroom
A horseshoe is not just for good luck - it is for collaborative learning as well. This design allows for maximum viability and teacher movement through the classroom. I utilize the desks in the center for group work or group discussions.
Prevent Behavioral Problems
Consistency and follow through are my guiding forces. I have a policy of calling home when I have a behavioral issue - I must consistently follow through with this.
Students will immediately notice any deviation in consistency and follow through teachers must enforce rules equally between student ant at ever time they are broken.
Rules
- Be on time and on task every day
- Keep all personal electronics put away
- Be responsible for your own learning
- Respect: Teachers, Classroom, Students & YOURSELF
I create rules on my own, with no buy in from students. I do share the rules with parents. The rules are listed in a syllabus which is given to the parents at the beginning of the semester. Students are required to return the syllabus with parent signature.
Consequences
- Verbal Warning
- Stay After Class to Speak With Teacher in the Hall
- Phone Call to Parent
- Written Referral
- *Disruptive Behavior: Removal from class, written referral and phone call to parent.
Rewards
I do not believe in individual rewards: Where there is a carrot hanging from a stick... it is still a stick. I will however, reward the class as a whole. I believe that GROUP rewards will help instill a sense of community and motivate collaborative learning.
Procedures
- Always have assigned seats
- Speak one person at a time
- Begin with warm up
- Read & write every day (Journal )