Ch. 5 - Ecological Approaches to Classroom Management

Chapter 5 looks at Ecological approaches to management.  "Ecological" strategies look at the physical habitat or behavior setting of the classroom.

Big Idea #1:  Ecological strategies look at the physical design of the environment (rules, procedures, routines, and conduct).  Ecological classrooms are divided into highly structured activity units.  When activities change, the dynamic of the classroom changes.  Each unit is designed with a different purpose or focus.

Big Idea #2:  Teachers should learn and practice Kounin's instructional techniques.  Each of these techniques can be used within other classroom models for quick fixes to behavior problems.  However, these techniques should be used to supplement a model aimed at long-term behavior, not as the only management tool in the classroom.

Big Idea #3:  Many ecological models have emphasis on core values and character education.  When values and character are embedded into the curriculum, those values are reinforced more effectively than when those values are only addressed in small, separate units.