Comparing Student Commitment Systems: Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques

Introduction

Effective teaching is critical for student success. Two popular and influential books that outline methods for effective teaching are Ron Clark's The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child and Doug Lemov's Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College. Both books provide educators with practical techniques for managing classrooms, engaging students, and promoting academic excellence. This article will compare and contrast the key ideas from each book and discuss how Clark's 55 Essentials and Lemov's 49 Techniques complement each other to help teachers be more effective.

Overview of Ron Clark's 55 Essentials

Ron Clark's The Essential 55 outlines 55 rules or “essentials” for creating a positive classroom environment and helping each student reach their potential. Clark draws on his own experience as an award-winning educator in both rural North Carolina and inner-city New York. His 55 essentials provide guidance on everything from greeting students at the door to maintaining an organized classroom.

Some of Clark's key essentials include:

- Essential 1: Greet students at the door. This simple act builds personal connections with students as they enter the classroom.

- Essential 5: Do not accept disengagement. Keep students actively participating.

- Essential 15: Provide students with the freedom to learn in their own style. Appeal to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners.

- Essential 23: Make learning fun and exciting. Incorporate music, games, and humor.

- Essential 31: Provide students choices. Allow them to have a say in their learning experience.

- Essential 37: Hold students accountable for their actions. Apply rules equitably and consistently.

- Essential 55: Be passionate about teaching. Your passion is contagious.

Character Counts!

Clark argues following these essentials will lead to student success by fostering positive student-teacher relationships, engaging students in active learning, and creating an organized, supportive classroom environment.

Overview of Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques

Doug Lemov's Teach Like a Champion outlines 49 specific techniques teachers can utilize to improve student learning and behavior management. Lemov, a managing director at a charter school network, studied videos of outstanding teachers and identified their most effective techniques. His 49 techniques are organized into sections on classroom management, boosting academic rigor, and building student character.

Some notable techniques from Lemov include:

- Technique 2: Stretch It. Extend student learning by asking for a more thoughtful answer. Do not accept a one-word response if a student is capable of a detailed explanation.

- Technique 5: No Opt Out. Require all students to answer questions, even if the student initially states "I don't know." Have them attempt an answer to reinforce participation.

- Technique 16: Begin with the End. Start each lesson by explaining goals and their relevance to larger objectives. Help students understand the "why."

- Technique 21: Circulate. Move strategically around the room while students work. Your physical presence improves oversight and engagement.

- Technique 26: At Bats. Give all students multiple attempts to verbally respond. Each attempt is an "at bat" where they can succeed.

- Technique 33: Soft Start. Gradually add more challenge to a learning activity. Have them first complete an easy problem before tackling harder problems.

- Technique 49: Joy Factor. Incorporate elements of surprise and fun. Help students take pleasure in learning.

Lemov argues these techniques will boost student achievement by setting high expectations, improving classroom management, and making learning more rewarding for students.

Comparison of the Methods

While Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques have some differences in focus and terminology, they share many core ideas for effective teaching. Both emphasize high-energy, student-centered classrooms. They advocate for active learning through questioning, discussion, and participation. The methods complement each other well. Here are some key commonalities:

Student Engagement

Clark and Lemov both focus heavily on keeping students actively engaged throughout each lesson. Clark's Essential 5 is "Do not accept disengagement" while Lemov's Technique 5 is "No Opt Out." They both push teachers to require responses and participation from each and every student, not just the few who voluntarily respond. Lemov's Circulate technique is similar to Clark's Observe technique – both involve strategically moving around the room to interact with students.

Classroom Management

Several of Clark's essentials and Lemov's techniques offer overlapping advice on effective classroom management. Having clear routines and procedures (Clark Essential 3 and Lemov Technique 28) is critical. They both also discuss the importance of starting and ending a lesson successfully (Clark Essential 11 and Lemov Technique 48). Providing positive reinforcement and managing consequences for behavior is another shared theme.

Academic Mindset

Both authors stress the importance of setting high academic expectations for all students, regardless of perceived ability. Lemov's techniques like No Opt Out and At Bats encourage effort and perseverance for challenging academic tasks. Similarly, Clark's essentials like Essential 15 (let students learn in their own style) and Essential 31 (provide choices) emphasize accommodating students' diverse needs while still believing in their potential. They both aim to foster growth mindsets in students.

Student-Teacher Relationships

Several essentials and techniques tie into building positive student-teacher relationships and creating an affirming classroom community. Greeting students at the door is discussed in Clark's Essential 1 and Lemov's Technique 28. Using humor to make learning engaging is found in Clark Essential 23 and Lemov Technique 49. Both works stress showing passion and care for students, while still maintaining high expectations.

While Ron Clark's focus is more on the social-emotional climate, Doug Lemov hones in more on academic rigor. However, together they provide comprehensive guidance on fostering supportive relationships and high achievement.

Key Differences

The most notable difference between the two works is Clark's emphasis on social-emotional learning compared to Lemov's emphasis on academic rigor. However, both elements are critical to student success. Below are several key differences:

- Clark's essentials place more weight on relationships, including teacher-student and peer relationships. Several essentials like Essential 1 (greet students), Essential 12 (learn student interests) and Essential 29 (peer mentoring) focus directly on interactions. Lemov, on the other hand, zeroes in more exclusively on driving academic achievement.

- Lemov offers more concrete techniques for instruction like Begin with the End, At Bats and Cold Call. Clark's advice is generally more broad and focuses less on specific instructional moves.

- Clark advocates more for culturally responsive teaching and meeting diverse student needs, such as allowing different learning styles (Essential 15). Lemov focuses more on holding all students to high expectations without differentiation.

- Lemov emphasizes more data tracking to measure effectiveness like technique 43 (data-driven instruction) and technique 44 (maintain useful records). Clark does not focus on data.

- Clark's essentials place more emphasis on classroom setup, cleanliness and organization. This is evident in essentials like Essential 4 (organized classroom) and Essential 54 (clean up). Lemov does not delve much into the physical space.

While the works have differences in focus, the two approaches can complement each other well. Teachers can benefit from Lemov's specific instruction techniques as well as Clark's relationship-centered essentials.

Benefits of Applying Both Approaches

Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques provide educators with a wealth of practical tips for boosting student outcomes. The methods share many core values while also having complementary differences in focus. Teachers can gain the most benefit by thoughtfully implementing ideas from both works. Here are some of the benefits:

- Establishing rigorous academic expectations using techniques like Begin with the End and No Opt Out.

- Making class fun and engaging for students using joy factor and songs, chants, and games.

- Building positive relationships and sense of community using greetings, one-on-one conferences, praise, and incentives.

- Creating an organized, efficient classroom using procedures, routines, tracking data, and maintenance.

- Reaching all learning styles through choice, differentiation, interactive methods, and reacting to engagement cues.

- Developing students’ character and life skills by teaching personal responsibility and conflict resolution strategies.

- Finding an appropriate balance between social-emotional development and academics.

Neither work on its own is sufficient for maximizing student potential. Clark provides exceptional guidance on the human elements of teaching while Lemov offers concrete methods to challenge students and enhance instruction. Together, Ron Clark's Essentials and Doug Lemov's Techniques provide a comprehensive formula for becoming an inspirational, highly effective teacher. Any educator looking to improve their craft could benefit immensely from studying and implementing the combined wisdom from these two outstanding books.

 Here are some examples of combining Ron Clark's 55 Essentials and Doug Lemov's 49 Techniques into student-centered "I can" and "I will" statements:

I can greet my teacher and classmates at the door because it builds community. (Clark Essential 1)

I will actively participate in class activities and discussions because disengagement limits my learning. (Clark Essential 5)

I can learn material in different ways that match my learning style. My teacher will provide me choices. (Clark Essential 15) 

I will thoughtfully answer every question posed to me, even if I'm unsure. I will challenge myself to attempt a response. (Lemov Technique 5)

I can have fun learning through games, music, and humor. This engages me in lessons. (Clark Essential 23)

I will start every lesson by listening to the goals and objectives. I understand why I am learning skills and content. (Lemov Technique 16)

I can make mistakes and learn from my attempts. My teacher gives me multiple tries to get the right answer. (Lemov Technique 26)

I will track my own data and use it to celebrate growth and set new goals. (Lemov Technique 43) 

I can build positive relationships with my teacher and peers by collaborating and communicating respectfully. (Clark Essential 12)

I will follow classroom rules and accept consequences for my actions. This maintains a positive environment. (Clark Essential 37)

Here are some revised inspirational "I can" and "I will" statements:

 1. I will speak to others with dignity and respect, for my words carry power.

2. I will listen attentively, for true understanding comes from focus.

3. I can engage thoughtfully in discussions, for my perspective matters.

 4. I will build up my classmates, for encouragement uplifts us all.

 5. I can accept alternate viewpoints, for diversity of thought leads to growth.

 6. I will handle victory and defeat with grace, for character shines through when tested.

 7. I can ask meaningful questions, for curiosity is the seed of wisdom.

 8. I will demonstrate polite manners, for courtesy contributes to the community.

 9. I will carry myself with honor, for integrity speaks louder than words.

 10. I can express gratitude sincerely, for appreciation energizes the giver and receiver.

 11. I will welcome all gifts graciously, for goodwill is remembered more than the gift itself.

 12. I will perform acts of service, for one selfless deed can lift many hearts.

13. I can be truthful, even when difficult, for honesty nurtures trust.

14. I will speak clearly and confidently when called upon, for preparation breeds competence.

15. I can convey ideas articulately, for precision of speech reflects clarity of thought.

 16. I will work diligently without seeking rewards, for inner fulfillment is the highest prize.

17. I can take responsibility for my learning, for through commitment I reach my potential.

 18. I will transition efficiently out of respect for others, for timeliness demonstrates care.

 19. I can stay prepared, for organization enables excellence.

20. I will approach work positively, for attitude influences achievement.

21. I can be cooperative and follow protocols, for teamwork achieves more than individual efforts.

 22. I will remain engaged during lessons, for focus reveals value. 

 23. I will build bonds of mutual respect, for strong relationships form the foundation. 

24. I can act with integrity even when unsupervised, for doing what's right matters most when no one is watching. 

25. I will make all visitors feel welcomed, for hospitality builds goodwill.

 26. I can demonstrate selflessness and share space with others, for inclusion makes everyone feel valued. 

27. I will refrain from judging those facing consequences, for compassion is owed to all. 

28. I can show initiative to solve problems independently first before seeking help, for self-reliance cultivates growth. 

29. I will exhibit etiquette and professionalism, for conduct conveys capability. 

30. I can assume responsibility for my space, for stewardship reflects character. 

31. I will leave each place better than I found it, for excellence is built through consistent effort. 

32. I can remain focused on the task at hand, for present diligence brings future success.

33. I will make proper introductions, for first impressions open doors to lasting rapport. 

34. I can demonstrate selfless generosity, for good manners put others first. 

35. I will readily assist others in need, for service spreads joy. 

36. I can hold doors and lend a hand to all, for a spirit of chivalry builds community. 

37. I will apologize sincerely when appropriate, for righting wrongs mends bonds. 

38. I can enter spaces mindfully and respectfully, for courtesy sets positive tones. 

39. I will voice affirmation more than criticism, for praise uplifts far more than reprimand. 

40. I can listen silently and soak in wisdom, for focus reveals insight.

 41. I will communicate professionally, for tactful speech opens ears and hearts. 

42. I can express heartfelt thanks to mentors, for gratitude nurtures growth. 

43. I will stay to the right and allow room for others to pass, for compromise keeps all moving forward. 

44. I can walk in line and wait my turn patiently, for order maximizes efficiency. 

45. I will not cut in front of others, for honor respects earned placement. 

46. I can listen silently during lessons, for self-control enables learning. 

47. I will follow rules and model integrity, for leadership stems from righteousness. 

48. I can stand up to wrongdoing, for bravery to defend what is right uplifts us all. 

49. I will express my beliefs considerately, for diplomacy paired with conviction effects change. 

50. I can radiate joy and speak life through positivity, for optimism lifts spirits. 

51. I will live purposefully without regrets, for today taken seriously leads to tomorrow lived fully. 

52. I can learn from failures and missteps, for resilience is forged through overcoming challenges. 

53. I will be truthful in all matters, for honesty builds trust. 

54. I can make the most of each moment, for time utilized well brings growth and contentment.