Read the following case study and answer all the questions:
Mr Lavender is an educator in the secondary school phase, and most of his classes include boys and girls. He has always wanted to be a teacher. Although he really enjoys teaching and working with teenagers, he currently experiences a number of problems that he seems incapable of dealing with properly. This causes feelings of inadequacy and failure. His concerns are based on factors and situations such as the following:
• Some learners, particularly the boys, simply seem uninterested in the schoolwork. They adopt a ‘don’t care’ attitude towards the future and do not use their schooling opportunities to prepare themselves for a successful future. Some of these boys are much more interested in soccer and rugby, in girlfriends and in parties than in their schoolwork. The academic achievement of some of these learners has deteriorated over the past months.
• Some of the girls in the class have relationships with young men who are three to five years older than them and who have finished school already. Mr Lavender is particularly concerned about the effect this might have on their academic and social development. He feels that they might lose interest in school and in their peers. In his quest to find a solution, he has
become withdrawn and suffers from insomnia. This is affecting the quality of his teaching and interpersonal relationships with colleagues and family members.
• Some learners do not respect authority. They often question his views and request reasons for his class rules and instructions. They try to make it difficult for teachers to maintain classroom discipline, behave in a disorderly manner and often try to ‘show off’. Such behaviour seems to earn them the admiration of some of their peers, which only strengthens this behaviour. This, in turn, results in an escalation of classroom conflict.
• Mr Lavender is also very concerned about the fact that a high percentage of his learners’ parents are not really involved in their children’s schooling. In spite of repeated requests to some parents to contact him, only a few have reacted.
According to Frelin and Grannas (in Zandvliet et al., 2014), teachers are central when it comes to creating favourable social relationships in the classroom, especially regarding those associated with better student behaviour.
Analyse the case study and provide specific suggestions to Mr Lavender on the following matters:
3.1 Suggest ways in which he can manage the mentioned conflicts positively. In your discussion refer to the classroom discipline strategies suggested by the invitational model. Support your discussion with in-text references. ( Max 350 words)
To manage the conflicts mentioned in the case study, Mr Lavender can utilize the invitational model of classroom discipline strategies. The invitational model, proposed by William Purkey and John Novak, focuses on creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes mutual respect and collaboration. Here are some specific suggestions for Mr Lavender:
1. Establish clear expectations and rules: Mr Lavender should clearly communicate his expectations and rules to the students at the beginning of the school year. These rules should be fair and consistent, and students should be involved in the process of creating them. By involving students, he can give them a sense of ownership and responsibility for their behavior.
2. Use positive reinforcement: Instead of solely focusing on punishment, Mr Lavender can use positive reinforcement techniques to reward and acknowledge good behavior. This can be done through verbal praise, certificates, or small rewards. By highlighting positive behavior, Mr Lavender can motivate students to behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
3. Create a supportive classroom community: Mr Lavender should foster a sense of belonging and support among the students. This can be achieved by promoting teamwork, cooperative learning activities, and peer mentoring programs. By encouraging students to work together and support each other, he can reduce the occurrence of conflicts and disruptive behavior.
4. Actively listen and empathize: Mr Lavender should strive to understand the concerns and perspectives of his students. By actively listening to their viewpoints and empathizing with their challenges, he can build a rapport and establish trust. This can help in addressing the underlying issues that may be contributing to the conflicts.
5. Collaborate with colleagues and parents: Mr Lavender should collaborate with his colleagues and parents to address the conflicts effectively. Discussing strategies and seeking advice from experienced colleagues can provide insights and fresh perspectives. Additionally, involving parents in the process can help in addressing the issues related to lack of parental involvement and supporting the academic and social development of the students.
By implementing these strategies, Mr Lavender can create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages student engagement and reduces conflicts. The invitational model emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, collaboration, and creating a supportive community within the classroom, which can help Mr Lavender in managing the conflicts positively (Zandvliet et al., 2014).