QUESTION:

I remember reading about a teacher using some trash to introduce the DWS Hierarchy.  Can you explain what this is?

RESPONSE:

The activity you’re thinking of is just one way in which the DWS Hierarchy of Social Development can be introduced to students.  My teaching partner, Darlene Collinson, came up with this idea after reading Dr. Marshall’s book.  She chose a very familiar situation (that of a piece of trash on the floor) to teach the main concepts connected to each of the four levels of the Hierarchy to our students.

Later, another teacher from my district thought to make the explanation more visual for young people.  She created the following four “trash posters.”  As in any introduction to the Hierarchy, teachers begin by explaining the lowest level first (Level A), and end with an explanation of the highest and most inspiring level (Level D).

Many people like this “trash scenario” because it provides a very simple and concrete way to present the four levels of personal/social development to K-6 students.

 

THE TRASH SCENARIO

 

Poster for Level A (Anarchy)

At this lowest level of behavior a student might pick up some trash off the floor––but then throw it at someone.  Naturally this level of operation is always unacceptable.  A person operating at Level A can expect that someone in charge will take over, to stop this unacceptable level of operation.

 

Poster for Level B (Bossing, Bullying, Bothering)

Moving up the ladder, a student operating on Level B also would not feel compelled to pick up the trash but instead might kick it around the room.  This level too is unacceptable and will be met with authority.

 

Poster for Level C (Cooperation/Conformity)

The first of two acceptable levels; this is the level of external motivation. At Level C, the trash would be picked up––at the request of the adult. The student is motivated externally to do the right thing. Notice the small heart drawn on the student’s chest.  At this level, we feel good inside; it feels good to cooperate with others and do the right thing.

 

Poster for Level D (Democracy)

The highest level is internal motivation.  Operating on this level, a student would take the initiative to pick up the trash and deposit it in the trash can without being asked––whether or not anyone was watching––simply because this was the right thing to do.  Notice the larger sized heart. When operating on the level of internal motivation, a person experiences a wonderful and satisfying inner feeling.  We naturally feel wonderful inside when we take the initiative to voluntarily do the right thing.  At any particular moment in life we can choose to operate on Level D.  In a successful democracy, people take the initiative to operate on this level by choosing to be responsible and do good.

 

Some important points to explain to students as part of this lesson:

(Please note that any explanation of the Hierarchy concepts would be conveyed to students using words they can understand.  The exact wording a teacher uses depends on the age of the children.)

  • Level A and B behaviors are always unacceptable. The use of authority by the teacher is required at both of these levels. In other words, if you can’t manage your own behavior at an acceptable level, someone in charge will have to manage your behavior for you.
  • Level C is certainly an acceptable level but not as high as Level D.  At this level the student takes no individual initiative and instead relies on the adult for motivation.  Level C action is motivated by external factors such as the desire to please, comply, impress or avoid punishment.
  • Level D is defined by internal motivation. This is the highest level of social development, inherently and intensely satisfying.
  • Levels C and D differ in motivation, not necessarily in their behaviors.  (In other words, the behavior at both Level C and D is exactly the same; the student picks up the trash. However the motivation for picking up the trash differs.  At Level C the student is motivated externally (by the adult) whereas at Level D, the student is motivated internally.
  • Both Level C and D are acceptable.  Level C is expected; Level D is completely voluntary.  Paradoxical as it might seem, the power of this level comes from its voluntary nature.  We feel most proud of ourselves when we freely choose to do the right thing.

 

Other related postings:

The Butterfly Analogy (Another idea for introducing the DWS Hierarchy)

A “portable Hierarchy” is a good idea!

I need concrete examples of each level

Many more posts on “Teaching the Hierarchy”

More information on “Understanding the Hierarchy“

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Posted In: Teaching the Hierarchy
posted On: November 27, 2011: 1:39 am: By Kerry Weisner
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