Assertive Discipline by Lee and Marlene Canter

The primary focus of Lee Canter's theory is on the concept of teacher's rights in the classroom. His methods attempt to show teachers how to responsibly take charge of their classroom by observing the rights of the students as well as those of the teacher.

One example of a student right would be to know the teacher's expectations without having to guess. An example of a teacher right would be the right to be backed up by parents and administrators. Canter also gives more of these rights as well as the means by which to use them through assertive teaching methods.

Assertive teachers care about students to the point that they won't let them do harmful things. These teachers also care about themselves enough not to let children walk all over them. Canter gives various steps to become an assertive teacher. He also gives ideas on what to do when consequences need to be used. These must be unpleasant but not harmful to the children. Some of his ideas are to be consistent, give consequences calmly, and provide students with escape mechanisms in case they wisely choose to avoid a conflict.

Canter's model intends to promote a supportive classroom that allows teachers to teach and students to learn. Students are taught how to behave and teachers are taught to be less punitive in their disciplining. However, this model uses extensive praise and other rewards that inhibit more intrinsic motivation. This model must be carefully considered prior to implimentation. Contrary to Glasser's techniques, Canter's rely heavily upon external rewards and control rather than internal motivation.

For more information on this subject visit this website:Assertive Discipline Procedures , and go here to find out about books by Lee Canter