Reflection Journal 2

Description
The focus in class this week was different behavioral theories that can be implemented in a classroom.


Analysis
The readings this week discussed the different types of punishers and reinforces that can be used within a classroom to develop appropriate behaviors and to erase unwanted behavior. Slavin made it clear that for reinforces and punishers to be effective, they must motivate students to make the desired changes (2012). It was also discussed that consequences should be an immediate result to the behavior to have the greatest impact on the students. Slavin also discussed the best schedule for reinforcement that would allow for students to continue to perform the desired behavior without constant reinforcement.


Reflection
The part of the chapter that stood out to me the most was the statement that students must be motivated by the consequence for it to be effective. It is such a simple concept that I do not always give much thought to. I think for next year, I will develop a list of reinforcements WITH my students. This way I can ensure that my students will want to show the desired behavior. It will also be a good way to develop classroom culture and allow me to get to know my students.


I also thought about my use of removal punishment. If students in my class do not complete their homework, I will take away the first part of their recess. I began analyzing the effectiveness of this consequence while reading about the behavioral theories. I realized that for most students, this is an appropriate punishment because their homework gets completed afterwards, however, that is not the case for all of my students. I have two students who consistently do not complete homework despite missing recess. It is clear now that I need to reflect and find something that will motivate these students to complete their homework since the current consequence does not accomplish that goal.

Reference

Slavin, R. E. (2012). Educational psychology: Theory and practice (10th ed.).  Boston, MA: Pearson Education.