Module 9 Post 2

Mr. Gates is a fifth grade teacher and he has designed his classroom with a behaviorist view. Recently, they began a simulation of a city to learn about the different positions citizens can/may have and how to go about making money. To earn "money" or advance in the community, children are expected to participate and answer questions pertaining to the lesson correctly. If a child participates and especially answers correctly, they advance in their imaginative community. This is an example of positive reinforcement. The children want the reward of the community so they will continue to participate. The "money" the children earn can be exchanged for tangible awards too, such as stickers, cards, candy, pencils, etc. This furthers their desired behaviors because they will want to keep receiving awards. However, Mr. Gates uses group consequences since the class is working together not only in the classroom, but also in their imaginative community. When the group as a whole is improving or steadily performing well, the group receives a collective reward at the end of the week. This reward is usually recess or a candy snack. Mr. Gates also punishes as a group to teach accountability and responsibility. This is a form of negative punishment because the students are expected to do well every week and when they don't, they lose the possibility of recess or candy. Mr. Gates' holds a strong view of behaviorism and successfully practices it in his classroom.