Newslink January 2022

Towards Your CPD / News
Theory X and Theory Y
Instructional Styles
Phil Burman
In this article I quote
from the work of
Douglas Murray
McGregor, who
formulated the Theory X
and Theory Y
Instructional Styles
hypothesis. He analysed two areas of
behaviour in respect of:
• The instructor’s style of tuition.
• The way instructors treat pupils.
Based on hundreds of hours of
studying instructors in different fields,
McGregor concluded that instructors tend
to make one of two assumptions. In my
view, his conclusions reflect the way
many ADIs treat their pupils.
According to McGregor, Theory X
Instructors believe most pupils lack
ability, are unintelligent, somewhat lazy,
and avoid putting effort into learning
whenever possible.
He found Theory Y Instructors believe
it is normal for pupils to work hard at
their lessons.
Each assumption leads the instructor
to approach the task differently.
Theory X instructors fall into two
distinct camps. They either adopt a strict
approach or a much too soft style of
tuition. The strict approach results in:
n Instructor-centred teaching.
n The instructor controlling the lesson
at all times.
n Coercing the pupil with threats, for
example: ‘If you do that, you’ll fail your
test!’
n A poor instructor-pupil relationship.
n Pupils becoming resistant to
instruction.
n Pupils applying the minimum
amount of effort.
If the Theory X instructor utilises a soft
style, his opinion remains the same, but
he thinks pupils need continuous praise
to learn. The praise might be insincere,
but he says it anyway. This instructor is
likely to be over tolerant of mistakes. But
it doesn’t matter which approach the
Theory X instructor takes because: either
way, their tuition is inadequate
The Theory Y instructor thinks the
effort put into learning is natural, and he
expects it. He uses a variety of tuition
styles and is prepared to use whichever
of the following methods bring the best
results:
n Consultation and participation.
n Coaching.
n Client-centred learning.
n Instructor-centred teaching.
n A hard-line approach.
n A softly-softly approach.
Theory Y instructor characteristics
include:
n Excellent listening skills.
n A good understanding of body
language.
n Applying effort to fulfil a pupil’s
potential, pushing them when necessary.
n Believing there is no ‘one best way’
that must be adhered to. The
instructional method depends on the
pupil and circumstances.
n A supportive approach to learning.
Theory Y instructors use different
techniques and teaching aids and show
commitment and skill. It seems there is a
world of difference between the two
instructor types.
Yet McGregor states a common factor
links Theory X and Theory Y instructors.
He says both approaches have one
overall effect, which he calls the selffulfilling
prophecy.
This common link means pupils
invariably respond according to how they
are treated. Think back to your school
days. The subjects you liked and were
good at – can you recall those teachers?
If so, I’m sure they provided
encouragement and treated you well.
What about the others who couldn’t
teach for toffee and blamed you for your
lack of understanding? And those who
handed out insults left, right and centre
when they failed to get their points
across. Need I say more?
If we give the impression we think
pupils are stupid, won’t work hard, have
a couldn’t-care-less attitude and lack the
expected level of skill, that’s the way
they will respond.
If we treat pupils with respect, show
we think they are responsible, able and
committed to working hard to achieve
the required standard, that’s also the
way they’ll behave.
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The X and Y
instructor:
which camp do
you fall in...?
22
NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2022