Over the summer, fourth grade teacher Mr. Gates,
has been studying up on his psychology. He takes a particular interest in the
area of behaviorism, and decides to make a few adjustments to his classroom. On
the first day of school, the students notice several things that, though they
do not recognize it, stand as evidence of behaviorism.
On the first day of the school year, the
students all notice a big jar with candy in it. When Laura answers a question
correctly, Mr. Gates gives her a piece of candy. The next time Mr. Gates asks a
question, every student raises his or her hang high in the air.
In the back of the classroom, there are
three pieces of paper on a bulletin board: one red, one yellow, and one green.
Each student finds his name neatly written in black marker on one of
twenty-three clothespins. All of the clothespins are on the green paper. Mr.
Gates explains that if a student misbehaves, her pin will be moved to the
yellow paper, as a warning. If the behavior continues, the pin will move to
red, and the student will walk down the hall to the principal’s office.
I really like your classroom senario for Mr. Gates. He seems t have everything under control with his students! I like the way that you used his behaviorist ideas in an obvious way. All of your examples were very simple. you get a reward for behaving correctly and a punishment for misbehaving. I think this is a good incentive for students fo any age, but this example is especially appealing for younger students. I think it is important for students to get into a routine like this so that they know what they would gain or lose from their behavior.
ReplyDeleteA few people had the green red and yellow clothespin idea. I assume you all saw this in a previous class? You all get so detailed with these things! :)
ReplyDeleteI like these examples a lot, but it would be helpful if you explained what each is an example of and how it works to change behavior.