The big ideas in this chapter deal with
several different types of behavioral learning theories. Classic conditioning
and operant conditioning are the main types of learning theories. Classical
conditioning involves learning by association, while operant conditioning
involves reinforcement and punishment. The module also goes into detail about
how teachers can effectively use the theories in their classrooms. The strategies
explained in the module, when used correctly, can help teachers to promote
appropriate behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior in the classroom.
One part of the module I found a
little confusing was the list of the ineffective punishments. While I certainly
realize while some punishments, such as physical and psychological punishment, were
on the list, seeing as they are very unethical and wrong. But I was confused to
why some punishments, such as extra homework and taking away recess, were
mentioned. Those punishments always worked on me when I was in elementary
school. I always dreaded getting extra homework, and would do almost anything
not to get it. And as a hyper child, recess was the best twenty minutes of the
school day. While I realize these punishments do not work on every child, they
seemed to be pretty effective on the students in my class.
A behaviorist defines learning as a
change in behavior that includes an association between a stimulus and a
response. In order for learning to occur, the stimulus and response have to take
place close together in time. Modern behaviorists focus less on knowledge,
memories, and mental processes, and instead concentrate more on learning behaviors.
I agree with you that the different types of punishments were confusing. It's hard to know what punishments and reinforcements are effective in the classroom. And I believe it's important to understand that different punishments and reinforcements might work on some kids, while might not be effective on other students. I think reasons that taking away recess could be a bad punishment is it takes away the break the student gets from the day. That break is necessary for the student to come back to the classroom refreshed and ready to continue learning. I also think maybe the reason for not giving extra homework could be because it could severely frustrate the student to the point where they wouldn't do homework at all. It's difficult to understand these different types of punishments and reinforcements in order to get the best results from students in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to why taking away recess would not be a good punishment to use, I am planing on being a special education teacher and I noticed in the book that children with ADHD need this recess in order to be able to continue to concentrate in the classroom. If you take this time away from them they would have an even harder time concentrating in class than they already do because of their disability. Although the book said this is so for only ADHD students I feel that this would be relevant to most students in elementary school with or without the disability.
ReplyDeleteYou give a nice overview of topics that were discussed in the chapter, but what big ideas might you communicate to a practicing teacher if they wanted the important information from this chapter that they could use in their classroom?
ReplyDeleteI understand your experience often clashes with things found in textbooks. At the same time, something being 'effective' and 'healthy' are very different, and I think that's the point the textbook was trying to make. You may be very motivated to do something to avoid missing recess, but over time, if it happens often, it can damage the health of a child.
For your last section, only the first line is actually needed (and it's great!). It's a nice concise answer to the question. The rest starts to sound more out of the textbook and less of your own understanding of the concept.