Teachers in this category are quick to “jump” on every behavior that is not acceptable in the classroom. Support and positive reinforcement, however, are rare. The authoritarian teacher may use a loud voice to get the attention of her students. She may act shocked and angry when students don’t follow her directives. The “benefit” of this style is that the teacher frequently gets the immediate compliance from her students. The cost of the authoritarian style includes student anxiety and minimal long-term positive effects. No student enjoys a teacher’s yelling. Although kids may comply out of fear, this teaching technique rarely produces behavioral changes that last over time.
open to considerable verbal interaction, including
critical debates. The students know that they can
interrupt the teacher if they have a relevant
question or comment. This environment offers
students the opportunity to learn and practice
communication skills.