Chapter 7 and chapter 13 were probably the most interesting chapters that I have read in the Woolfolk test thus far.
Chapter 7 discussed the different kinds of reinforcement schedules that there are. I have never heard of any of these until I read this chapter. After reading the different kinds of reinforcements and their definitions, I came to realize that I have used these in many different situations without even knowing it. Woolfolk defines fixed-ratio schedule on page 206 as the response that is reinforced only after a specified number of responses. This type of reinforcement is one that I have caught myself doing. I work with two-year-olds, so getting them all to complete a task is difficult sometimes. So by getting them all to work together or to finish a task, I tell them that if they complete the puzzle or activity, that they will receive a sticker or a stamp. Another thing that stood out to me in chapter 7 was the suggestion of giving positive feedback to the students. Although working with two-year-olds is different than working with 7-13-year-olds, providing positive feedback seems to excite them. When they become excited, they seem to want to receive more positive feedback which encourages them to continue to do the good deed that they just did. I believe that providing positive feedback is very important for children. It not only encourages them to continue their good behavior, but it also makes them feel good.
Chapter 13 was also very interesting to me for many of reasons. I found that providing positive feedback does wonders to the attitudes of the students, but so does provide a positive classroom environment. Providing a positive learning environment is very important. Having a positive learning environment requires structure and discipline, but not in a bad way. Having discipline is good when it is done in a positive way. Having the students show respect, follow the rules, and follow the routines is very important because it can lead to a structured classroom that is working together to succeed. It is also very important to stay organized and to teach the students to be organized as well. Staying organized not only looks good, but it helps the mind to stay organized too. As crazy as it sounds, the 15 two-year-olds that I work with every day are the most organized people that I know. If only I could record my everyday life, you would all be able to see the structure and organization skills that my children have. It is crazy how doing the same routine every day can really change the way a child is. My children all know our routines and when it is time to change from activity to activity. They ask questions with their manners, push their chairs in when they are finished at the table, and sit quietly on the carpet as they wait for their friends to join. It does not matter how old they are, all that matters is the attitude that the teacher has and their devotion to making their classroom amazing.
I love how you said that staying organized not only looks good, but it helps the mind to stay organized too. I will admit I am not the most organized person, but I know that in my classroom I will have to be as organized as possible. Structure and organization will definitely be key to a well-run classroom!
ReplyDeleteHaley, thank you for sharing your experiences. I’m sure you get to see a lot of theses scenarios first hand on the job. My daughters preschool uses a similar system with the stamp for doing a good job. They don’t use timeouts which I think is interesting. I like that they do positive reinforcement but not a huge reward. Sounds like you have a very organize classroom and you’re learning a lot from your students.
ReplyDeleteHi Haley, I see teacher who are wasting ten to fifteen minutes looking for an item at school everyday. This tells our students how organize we are, students at my school have no problem telling teachers how messy they are. One student told a teacher that if she is not organize how can he expect to learn structure from her. Students are watching.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was as organized as your students they sound wonderful! I agree positive feedback is a wonderful thing!. It does wonders on the students. I was teaching how to make things out cardboard and we were making animal heads. My student got so excited when she started to see her horse's head take shape.
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