Right book? Right Author?

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2002 : July : 16

Right book? Right Author?
By Linda

I believe that James Dobson is the author of that title.... If you're needing input regarding Marvin Marshall, I can tell you what I know about a conference on discipline I recently attended.

I wish I had attended his conference
at the beginning of the year! I have a very difficult overflow class of 4th graders. I found myself applying bribery type discipline, which is SO against everything I've ever believed in! However, it worked because this was all the kids could relate to in their everyday life. I found that I was spending more time on maintaining crowd control than actual teaching.
I even had

support in what I was doing from colleagues, because of the nature of my students. I had tried methods that were being used by other teachers, and the stricter I became, the more difficult the behavior of many of my students.

When I attended the conference, I really did not think Mr. Marshall's ideas applied to my "unusual" class of students. After all, these were ED students who probably would benefit in a much smaller class, half day, and with daily counselling...

But when he talked about how teachers are replacing standards with rewards for expected behavior, I knew I had to listen. His approach is "The Raise Responsibility System," which deals with students taking responsibility for the behaviors they display.

I gave his ideas a try. I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW RESPONSIVE MY STUDENTS WERE/ARE!!! When a student begins his/her inappropriate behavior, all I have to do is take a second to ask him/her, "On what level is that behavior?" and the student answers....I say, "Thank you" and continue on. The behavior is in check for a much longer time than before.

The levels of behavior that are taught: Anarchy, Bullying, Conformity, Democracy.

It would take me pages and pages to explain, but if you go to Mr. Marshall's website, you might find more info. that will help you decide if this is the approach you want to learn more about:

http://www.marvinmarshall.com/

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS APPROACH....Great for parenting, as well!