Module 3

Chapter 7 discussed a lot about behavior, how to strengthen behavior, positive and negative reinforcement and punishment to name a few. Also, the difference between classical and operant conditioning and self-management. These different methods are important to understand so that they can be used effectively in the classroom. If we understand certain behaviors and any students act a certain way rather they are attention seeking or reacting off impulse to something that upset them it is vital that we are able to come up with a plan to best serve the students needs in that moment and are able to redirect that student. In the event that the student wants to deal with their issues on their own hopefully we have trained the students to self-manage also. That could be an important piece the redirection of that student’s behavior. At my current job, we have incorporated many social-emotional learning techniques to help our student’s better self-regulate. We use mood meters and other charts to help them recognize where they are in the moment of frustration or anger and help them figure out where they would like to be. We also want to be careful how we are reinforcing the behaviors because we don’t want to punish the students for everything or reward them for everything we have to find a balance and be able to decipher to what extent certain punishments or rewards are supposed to be given. I understand that some things are going to be automatic and the students will react to somethings naturally which is how classical conditioning is and operant conditioning leads to those positive and negative reinforcements.

Chapter 13 discussed classroom management, making sure you have created a positive learning environment and disciplining the issue of bullying. When we get into managing a classroom effectively we have to look at the way the classroom is set up, the way we present our expectations, notice I used the word expectations instead of rule. Rule sounds so much more aggressive and inflexible. Not only do we want our students to be flexible, we also have to be flexible and know and understand that each day will be different, and no day will be the same. Is our classroom inviting and will students want to learn in my classroom? If students feel included in the setup or creation of the classrooms expectation they are more likely to follow those expectations because they were a part of the planning. When students come to school, for some we are like a second family to them and they expect us to treat them with dignity and care for them because they may or may not have this at home.

When dealing with discipline we have to remember that “everything ain’t hardcore ya know” Jay Z. For some reason, human beings think that if you go hard that people will respect you and in my experience working with high schoolers it’s the exact opposite. When you present yourself and the assignment in a non-threatening way the teachers will get a better outcome. An aggressive approach is simply not necessary.