Rudolf Dreikurs main focus is on establishing a classroom which is democratic in nature and gives students a sense of belonging. This is put in place when students have some voice as to the functions of the classroom. Mutual trust between the teacher is created in various ways, including common group discussions about class concerns.

Dreikurs maintains that "discipline makes no use of punishment." He further believes that students have different levels of misbehavior. These misbehaviors occur in a progressive manner. The child first tries to get attention. If this does not work, the child will misbehave further in an effort to achieve power over the teacher or others. When attention or power do not gain the student sufficient status, they seek revenge. They believe they can only feel significant if they hurt others. After all else fails, the student then displays inadequacy. This is also called "learned helplessness." The student sees themselves as a complete failure. They feel others will leave them alone if others see them as inadequate.

Dreikurs model is an ideal one for enhancing student empowerment. The climate of the classroom is often conducive to learning. However, a lot of time is needed to gain student trust. Likewise, much time is spent talking about beliefs, decision making, and consequences which then project the teacher into a counseling role. In addition, Dreikurs does not give supplies to handle a lot of misbehavior.