This week's study focused on behavioral theories of learning. I reviewed Pavlov's and Skinner's theories on what makes a person learn, how behavior can be shaped through reinforcement of desired behaviors and how a teacher should aim to teach the students to be self-regulating. According to Pavlov's studies, a trigger can be used to condition a response from a subject. In my classes, I notice that when I stand at my podium, most of my students will open their notebooks and get ready to take notes from our discussion. This is an example of classical conditioning. Like the dog that salivates when he hears the ringing of the bell, because he has associated the bell with being fed, my students pay attention to me when I stand at the podium. I see Skinner's principles in my classroom when I reinforce behavior with good grades or praise.
Discussion posts helped me to remember that there are some time-tested, proven techniques to help mold my students' behavior in positive ways, such as using praise when a student performs as I expect them to, and ignoring negative behavior as much as I can. Also, the office should be used as a last resort for behavior problems, because some students will misbehave just to get out of class, which is a positive reinforcement of their bad behavior. I was also reminded that I should make more positive calls to parents, and that having a good relationship with my students' parents will go a long way to help shape the behaviors I want in my classroom.
A good teacher needs to understand what drives the behavior of his or her students, and that's what this week's focus was all about. Through positive reinforcement, conditioning, and teaching my students to be self-regulating, I will ensure that they do well in my classroom.
No comments:
Post a Comment