The Ginott Model

The Ginott Model
Haim Ginott was a clinical psychologist and child therapist of the 1960s and 1970s. Ginott,
author of several books on child psychology, is regarded as one of the leaders in controlling
the behaviors of children. Ginott emphasized that parents needed to limit the unacceptable
behaviors of children but, at the same time, safeguard and protect the childrens feelings and
emotional well-being.
The major theme of the Ginott model is that the overall classroom atmosphere should be
dealt with, not individual behavior problems. To that end, teachers should address the class
personally, using "I" statements. According to Ginott, Congruent Communication" should be
used with students, which basically means dealing with students using non-aggressive
language. Childrens self-esteem is greatly affected by their interaction with adults. Listed
below are four of Ginotts axioms relating to how teachers can establish and maintain positive
classroom discipline.
1.
Learning always takes place in the present tense. This suggests that teachers
must neither prejudge students nor hold grudges against them for previous
misbehaviors. The effective teacher should correct students by directing them to
proper behavior examples.
1.
Teachers should always be respectful of student needs. Students should never

experience any teacher belittling them.
1.
1.
If teachers want civil behavior, they should model it for students.

One of the best ways to improve student behavior is for the teacher to actively
confer dignity on the students.
Ginotts theory of "correcting by directing" hinges on redirecting the students behavior

patterns to more acceptable ones. Ginott also felt that successful discipline happens when the
student learns self-discipline. Students self-discipline happens when teachers build trust and
mutual respect with their students. If the student trusts the teacher, then the student will
most likely cooperate if problems arise. Also, so many times, students feel like they have no
control over what happens. With a behavior contract, students can feel like they have a more
active role in their own education. Contracts take the "bossing" out of discipline and promote
mutual respect and understanding, hence, producing better behavior. Ginotts model
promotes or provides students with intrinsic motivation, builds confidence of students and
invites cooperation.
Behavior contracts are a central theme in Ginotts behavior management plan. According to
Ginott, when people in authority, such as classroom teachers, write certain terms into the
behavior contract, that act alone is an expression of faith in the childs ability to achieve
success. However, probably more important to the student is the fact that the teacher should
feel obligated to uphold the bargain if the specified conditions are met. This gives students a
feeling of partial control over and ownership of the outcomes of their behavior.
Ginott introduced the term congruent communication, which he defined as harmonious
communication between a teacher and student. According to Ginott, teachers should always
endeavor to use congruent communication, which is the communication to students about
situations and their actions not negative remarks about students themselves. Teachers
using congruent communication do not preach or moralize to students, nor do they impose
guilt or demand promises. Instead, effective classroom teachers confer dignity on their
students by treating them as social equals capable of making good decisions. Congruent
communication invites cooperation, expresses anger appropriately and uses appreciative
rather than evaluative praise.
Chart 2: Examples of Congruent and Non-Congruent Communications
Congruent Communication Strengths
Non-Congruent Communication
Strengths
Addresses the students action rather than
This type of communication allows and
the students character. The class moves
even emphasizes name calling and labels.
along much better, Terry, when you raise
Dont act like a clown when you walk up
your hand and I call on you.
the hall knocking on each door Gary.
It denies students feelings and attacks the

character of students. Greg, you have yet
Invites cooperation between the teacher
to complete one assignment this
and student. Devin, would you please take week! Yet, you must spend a great deal of
our new student to the restroom? I would,
time coming up with these lame excuses. If
but I am expecting his mother for a
you spent more time on your assignments
conference.
and less time trying to get out of them,

you would be a much more productive
student.
Congruent communication accepts and

acknowledges the feelings of both students
and teachers. I realize, Martha, that you
Demands rather than invites cooperation
would prefer not to speak at the
Lee Ann, you will complete the
graduation. However, your parents would
assignments tonight. Better yet, I think I
be so disappointed if you let this
will have you stay in during your recess
opportunity pass by. You one day would
period so that you can get a good start.
also feel terrible about not seizing the

opportunity.
Congruent communication uses brevity in
Shows students that the teacher can not
correcting misbehavior Stacy, please put
maintain their own temper and therefore
that away.
why should they? I am getting sick and

tired of the noise in this room. Every day I
remind you of the classroom rules, yet
every day is the same thing. I have to yell
and holler at this class to get them quiet
enough so that two or three of you can
perhaps learn something.
Expresses anger appropriately. Victor, I am

sorry that your aunt felt that I was
mistreating you. I do not remember ever
Invades students privacy David, come
calling you down for attempting to answer
here for a minute. I need to look in your
our Daily Oral Language answers. But, if I
backpack. Andys toy has disappeared and
have, I will do my best to make sure that
your desk is next to his.
you do get an opportunity to respond with

your answers occasionally.

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The Ginott Model

Teachers should always be respectful of student needs. Students should never

If teachers want civil behavior, they should model it for students.

Ginotts theory of "correcting by directing" hinges on redirecting the students behavior

Congruent Communication Strengths

Addresses the students action rather than

This type of communication allows and

the students character. The class moves

even emphasizes name calling and labels.

along much better, Terry, when you raise

Dont act like a clown when you walk up

your hand and I call on you.

the hall knocking on each door Gary.

It denies students feelings and attacks the

to complete one assignment this

time coming up with these lame excuses. If

but I am expecting his mother for a

you spent more time on your assignments

and less time trying to get out of them,

Congruent communication accepts and

Demands rather than invites cooperation

would prefer not to speak at the

Lee Ann, you will complete the

graduation. However, your parents would

assignments tonight. Better yet, I think I

be so disappointed if you let this

will have you stay in during your recess

opportunity pass by. You one day would

period so that you can get a good start.

also feel terrible about not seizing the

Congruent communication uses brevity in

Shows students that the teacher can not

correcting misbehavior Stacy, please put

maintain their own temper and therefore

why should they? I am getting sick and

perhaps learn something.

Expresses anger appropriately. Victor, I am

Invades students privacy David, come

calling you down for attempting to answer

here for a minute. I need to look in your

our Daily Oral Language answers. But, if I

backpack. Andys toy has disappeared and

have, I will do my best to make sure that

your desk is next to his.

you do get an opportunity to respond with

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