Assessment Task Four -William Glasser

William Glasser’s Choice theory provides a framework for understanding why and how people behave. Choice theory suggests that all behaviour has its own purpose and this behaviour is related to satisfying the five genetic needs that all individuals are driven by. (Harshman, 2006) http://www.wglasser.com/whatisct.htm The theory suggests that all individuals have basic needs including survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. Once all needs are satisfied, individuals are more likely to be motivated to learn.

Glasser’s choice theory suggests that all behaviour is chosen and that individuals can only have control over their own behaviour. (Harshman, 2006) Choice theory also suggests that no other individual can make you do or feel anything. All that an individual can do is to influence another by giving information, and it is up to that individual to make a decision regarding this information. I realise now, as a future teacher, that I am able to influence students by giving them information, but it is up to the students whether they want to accept it. In understanding Glasser’s choice theory, I have come to understand the importance of the role of the teacher. A teacher must realise the impact that they have on students through the information that they provide. This impact can be positive or negative. (Piltz, 2002) http://www.ausport.gov.au/fulltext/2002/achper/Piltz2.pdf I also realise that it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide a positive classroom environment that satisfies the needs of students. Glasser’s choice theory is effective because it focuses on the needs of individual students and their learning. This theory allows teachers to motivate their students and allow positive student- teacher relationships.