There are many different ways to run a successful and effective classroom. Numerous
people have tried to give me the best advice for making things work, but ultimately it will
be my choice to decide what works best for me. By assessing the students needs, I will be
able to provide a curriculum and classroom environment that will hopefully motivate their
learning. In assessing my own needs, I can make the proper actions necessary to make sure
that those needs are met. Rules and consequences fall under both the needs of the student
and the teacher, so those are essential as well. In the following, I will discuss what I find to
be the needs of the student, the needs of the teacher, and how my philosophy on rules,
consequences, and discipline play into these needs.
According to several educational psychologists and theorists, there are many different
needs of a student. I agree particularly with Glasser, who states that students have a need
for belonging, “fun”, freedom, and a warm environment with a meaningful and engaging
curriculum. Linda Albert contributes more by theorizing that the student needs to feel
accepted (by being who they are, without judgment), and that student needs attention and
affection (Devito, 2004). These, in my own opinion, are some of the most important needs
that a teacher might face, especially when teaching adolescents. While all students have
different needs, these are a few that are shared by most.
Often times, as a teacher you are the most influential adult figure in a childs life. By
