Mr. Gates is a kindergarten teacher.
Every two weeks there is a different theme that the children learn about and Mr. Gates incorporates that theme into his curriculum of math, science, reading, writing and art. This way the classroom decorations are constantly changing so that the students are having different experiences and can be excited for the new theme to start and learn about something new every two weeks.
There are many different stations in his classroom to have the students constantly moving and flowing to different areas of the classroom so that their environment can be changed, improving their focus and behavior. There is a reading rug for Mr. Gates to read aloud to his student, but there is also a station for the library so students are able to explore different books on their own. There is an art station with different materials where students can use items to make projects based on the "theme" of the week. There is writer's workshop as well where students can practice writing their name, address and other simple words that kindergarten students learn.
Mr. Gates has conditioned his students to know that whenever they see that the lights are flickering on and off, it means to be quiet and sit down criss cross on the reading rug. The students are well aware of this rule and Mr. Gates used classical conditioning to help the students recognize during the first few weeks of school that when the lights flicker, it is time for criss cross legs on the rug quietly.
In order to keep the students motivated and not so distracted in the classroom, Mr. Gates gives out a star of the week as positive reinforcement for one particular student that has excelled in the classroom. This student has the privilege of changing the calendar and bringing in a show and tell item that is important to them to share with the class. This student is also the "teacher's helper" of the week as well. Also, if students are misbehaving, Mr. Gates will take away free time and put them in a short time out based on the bad behavior.
I really liked your idea of Mr. Gates having different themes in his classroom. With the room changing every two weeks (I feel like changing any less than two weeks would be too small a time frame and almost two chaotic), the students are constantly intrigued and stimulated.
ReplyDeleteI also thought your idea of different stations was interesting and unique. With so many stations, the children again are stimulated by many different things, and will know what they are supposed to do in each station. Not only will this keep the room and students organized, but it will also keep them focused and attentive.
Look at my note on your other post about whether or not constantly changing environments is good for learning (according to behaviorism). It seems like you're talking about transfer here.... But you might also describe it as using decorations as stimuli that are paired with the behavior or learning you desire. So, if you're learning about plant growth, decorating with leaves or branches may help because those are stimuli that have already been paired with students current understanding of plants?
ReplyDeleteI like you explained the origin of the cue (how it was conditioned). I think it may have been taught through operant conditioning rather than classical--unless students had some physiological response that caused them to be quiet.