Positive and Negative Reinforcement Related to Student Behavior in a Classroom Setting

Classroom management is one of the greatest obstacles for educators. There are many theories and state mandates about the proper way a teacher should handle student misbehavior. The most common forms of classroom management are assertive discipline and cooperative discipline. Assertive discipline is the most commonly used management style in the United States, but it is unknown if it is the most effective. This study will compare and contrast assertive and cooperative discipline through literary research and through observations in a second grade classroom. This research focuses on three sample students with various levels of behavioral issues ranging from mild, moderate and severe. Students were observed and recorded using an assertive discipline approach for 1 week and a cooperative discipline approach for 1 week