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Teaching styles vary from teacher to teacher, and from program to program. Teaching styles can be grouped on a continuum from relaxed to very strict. Where do you fall on this spectrum-are you strict, relaxed, or somewhere in between? Experts tend to prefer some styles in general, though different children respond better to different styles. Evolving a mastery of all of the styles, to be used appropriately, is one possible way to have a diversity of styles. There are 4 main teaching style categories:

Authoritarian

The authoritarian teacher places firm limits and controls on the students. Students will often have assigned places and rigid daily schedules with no deviations. Students are expected to be in control of their movements and stand in straight lines.
Often, it is quiet. Students know they should not interrupt the teacher. Since verbal exchange and discussion are discouraged, the authoritarian's students do not have the opportunity to learn and/or practice communication skills.

Authoritative

The authoritative teacher places limits and controls on the students but simultaneously encourages independence. This teacher often explains the reasons behind rules and decisions. If a child is disruptive, the teacher offers a polite, but firm, reprimand. This teacher sometimes gives out discipline instead of guidance, but only after careful consideration of the circumstances.

The authoritative teacher is also open to considerable verbal interaction. The students know that they can interrupt the teacher if they have a relevant question or comment. This environment offers the students the opportunity to learn and practice communication skills.

Laissez-faire

The laissez-faire teacher places few demand or controls on the students. "Do your own thing" describes this classroom. This teacher accepts the children's impulses and actions, sees them as creative and learning freely, and is less likely to monitor their behavior.

However, this overindulgent style is associated with children's lack of social competence and self-control. It is difficult for students to learn socially acceptable behavior when the teacher is so permissive. With few demands placed upon them, these students frequently have lower motivation to achieve.

Indifferent

The indifferent teacher is not very involved in the classroom. This teacher places few demands, if any, on the students and appears generally uninterested. The indifferent teacher doesn't want to impose on the students. As such, he/she often feels that class preparation is not worth the effort. New centers and special projects are out of the question. This teacher simply won't take the necessary preparation time. Sometimes, he/she will use the same materials, year after year.

Also, classroom discipline is lacking. This teacher may lack the skills, confidence, or courage to manage the children.

Learn more about this author, Eva Smart.
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