REALITY THEORY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN CLASSROOM

1.First and foremost reality theory was introduced by William Grasser in 1965 as a form of counselling
that views a person’ behaviors as choices. According to Grasser’s theory, psychological symptoms are not
a results of mental health conditions, but rather consequences of unfulfilled basic needs. Again, it is an
approach to psychotherapy and counselling.it was developed by William Grasser in1960s, it is an
approach of psychotherapy that views all behaviors as choices, which means that it doesn’t consider
mental health conditions, it is based on a concept called choice theory, which says that humans only have
basic needs, all of which are genetically driven and can’t be changed. This theory has three main
principles according to Freud’s. William Grasser has said that reality theory is a form of therapy that
focuses on personal responsibility and choices .it posits that individuals are ultimately responsible for
their own actions and the choices they make, regardless of their external circumstances.
CONT

•Reality theory is used for the following ways: disconnecting occurs within various relationships and situations,
such as educational setting, employment situations, and relationships with peers.
•EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS: In education settings both teachers and learners can use it for developing self-
discipline and self-control through building and naturing quality relationships with the peers, making in-formed
choices about their learning and teaching development, and taking direct-control of their actions and thoughts.
For examples: one individual may decide that abstaining from smoking is best for them because they want to
protect their health, people weigh their options and make the choice they think will serve them best.
•EMPLOYMENT SITUATIONS: In terms of employment, this theory can help the workers to understand
relationships their clients have open-in-new with others and why they continue to maintain certain
relationships or abandon them. It is useful tool for social workers to employe when assessing and assisting
clients.
•
CONT’

•RELATIONSHIP WITH PEERS: In relationship, this theory can help the clients to account for their
behaviors.
•
THE PURPOSE OF REALITY THEORY IS THIS.

• To change current behavior in order to address mental health conditions and improving relationships. Dr.
Grasser believed that disconnects with others are at core of the persons dissatisfaction and often mental and
physical symptoms. Additionally, reality therapy rejects the idea of mental illness.
THERE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF REALITY THERAPY

•-Quality of relationships: This theory is very crucial for the societies include students because it helps
them to sharpen their relationship and discipline in the class.
•- Self-awareness: Being responsible and choice taker will lead self-awareness.
•-self-confidence and acceptance: self-reliance, independence enhanced through being communicative
and openness.
•- Personal growth: It improves person growth through emotions, feelings, thoughts and physical
aspects.
•- Coping: skills in dealing with adversity and more.
•While teacher is teaching he/she should use active teaching that will increase quality of relationship,
self-awareness, self-confidence and acceptance, persons growth and coping skills through imitating
teacher and his/her colleagues students and society in general.
CONT’

•AGAIN, REALITY THERAPY HAS NOT ONLY BENEFITS BUT ALSO BASIC NEEDS.
•Those needs are the following:
•-Survival (food, water, shelter, sexual fulfillment)
•-Love and belonging (via families, friendships and community)
•- Power (sense of accomplishment, self-confidence, self-esteem)
•- Freedom (independence, sufficient personal space, autonomy)
•- Fun (satisfaction, pleasure, and enjoyment)
•
CONT’

•These principles we have opposed to the pleasure, grows out of conflict between pleasure and
usefulness with its resultant delay of discharge and development.
•These principles of reality therapy can be applied to individuals, parent-child and family counseling.
REALITY THERAPY TECHNIQUES.

•-Self- evaluation: A therapist will use self-evaluation techniques to help you recognizing your
presence actions. It is necessary in domain of education both learners and teachers to apply this
theory through evaluating their works in order to know whether their objectives have achieved.
•- Action planning: After self-evaluation, your therapist will guide you through action planning. A
teacher should plan well his/ her lesson and teaching aids in order to be confidential.
•- Reframing: Is the process of reconceptualizing the problem by seeing it from different perspective.
•- Behavioral rehearsal: Is a similar concept a person can rehearsal or practice behaviors and
responses in order to be ready to use them in real life.
•
IMPLICATION OF REALITY THEORY

•This theory has also the following implications;

•Reality theory, developed by William Glasser, has several implications for classroom settings: personal
responsibility, choice theory, positive relationships, quality communication, external control psychology, Focus
on meeting basic needs.

• It emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can
take ownership of their learning and make responsible choices. Here are some key implications of reality theory
in the classroom
CONT’

•
•-FIRSTLY, Personal Responsibility: Reality theory emphasizes personal responsibility, acknowledging
that individuals have the power to make choices about their behavior and the consequences that
follow. In the classroom, teachers can encourage students to take responsibility for their learning by
setting clear expectations and holding them accountable for their actions.
•
•- Choice Theory: Choice theory encourages individuals to focus on their own needs and desires. In
the classroom, teachers can empower students by offering them choices and involving them in
decision-making processes. This could range from allowing students to choose from a list of
assignments or activities, to involving them in setting classroom rules and expectations.
CONT’

•- Positive Relationships: Building positive relationships between teachers and students is crucial in
reality theory. Teachers should aim to create a warm and supportive learning environment where
students feel respected, valued, and understood. By demonstrating empathy and actively listening to
students' concerns, teachers can establish trust and enhance students' sense of belonging in the
classroom.
•
•-Quality Communication: Effective communication is vital in reality theory. Teachers should use
open, honest, and non
•-judgmental communication with students. This means actively listening to students' perspectives,
providing constructive feedback, and helping students express their thoughts and feelings in a
respectful manner.
CONT’

•- External Control Psychology: Reality theory recognizes that external control can hinder personal
growth. Therefore, in the classroom, teachers should avoid using punishment or rewards as a means
to control students' behavior. Instead, teachers can focus on providing guidance, support, and
opportunities for students to reflect on their choices and make self-driven changes.
•
•- Focus on Meeting Basic Needs: Reality theory highlights the importance of meeting basic needs,
such as love and belonging, power and achievement, freedom and independence, and fun and
enjoyment. Teachers can create a classroom environment that addresses these needs by fostering
positive relationships, providing meaningful learning experiences, and promoting a sense of
autonomy and engagement.
CONT’

•As conclusion, incorporating reality theory principles into the classroom can positively impact
students' personal growth, responsibility, and overall well-being. By creating a supportive and
choice-rich environment, teachers can empower students to take ownership of their learning,
make responsible choices, and ultimately find fulfillment in their educational journey.
•
•
•REFERENCES:
• STUDY.COM≥LEARN≥REALITY-THERAPY.
• W.W.W.GOODTHERAPY.ORG≥TYPES≥REALITY.
• PSYCHCENTRAL.COM≥HEALTH≥REALITY.
• w.w.w.vertwellmind.com,reality