GRAPPLING WITH CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: THE ORIENTATIONS OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS AND IMPACT OF STUDENT TEACHING

Abstract

This article describes research conducted to examine 71 preservice teachers' theoretical orientations of classroom management and the impact of student teaching on these orientations as well as their overall views regarding classroom management. Results indicated preservice teachers demonstrated inconsistent beliefs with regard to philosophies of classroom management developed as part of university coursework. Upon completion of student teaching in environments characterized by teacher-centered practices, analyses revealed a shift toward more teacher-centered beliefs and behavior. Conclusions indicate the effects of vicarious and mastery experiences as influential in determining preferred orientations and management techniques cited as relevant within the classroom.