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Analysis of Behavior Modification in the Classroom
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When reading “Behavior Modification in the Classroom
“ I found a lot of useful and interesting information.
Classroom behavior and its disorders are the main object of
survey made by the author. The author of the article states
that classroom behavior can be influenced.
“Although there are certain limits, such as temperamental
or emotional influences related to ADHD or depression, all
children function more effectively under the right set of
consequences. Reinforcers are consequences that strengthen
behavior. Punishments are consequences that weaken behavior.”
The author of the article proposes a set of rules, which can
influence behavior in the classroom. The author sets us a
thesis that behavior is influenced by the events that either
precede or follow them. The article contains not only research
of the problematic question but also practical advice and
applications, which can be used in the classroom. The authors
propose models and teachings with different discipline referrals.
Reinforcement and punishment, two basic techniques used in
education are studied under the different angle. The author
gives basic principles to make them more effective and suitable
for each definite classroom situation. “Although reinforcement
and punishment can be equally effective in reducing specific
target behaviors in the classroom, reinforcement is by far
more effective in helping children develop alternative, more
functional behaviors. “ Conclusions made by the authors
are enforced by the examples from classroom management. The
article stresses the positive effect of the positive reinforcement
use. The topic of positive reinforcement has been actively
discussed during the last decade. Humanistic approach and
learner-centered learning orient teachers and methodologists
on the use of positive reinforcement but the problem isn’t
fully studied yet. The author of the article gives arguments,
which prove the effectiveness of positive reinforcement when
dealing with the classroom behavior. In addition he distinguishes
different types of positive reinforcement and characterizes
situations when these different types can be used. Next section
of the articles gives a description of negative reinforcement
and its different types. The author insists on the rational
balance between positive and negative reinforcement. “When
used appropriately, punishment can make a positive difference;
however, punishing interventions should always follow efforts
at using reinforcing interventions to model and shape appropriate
classroom behavior.” I think that the question of balance
of positive and negative reinforcement is very interesting
and should be studied carefully. Methodology and psychology
have made a significant step forward in learning cognitive
and behavioral patterns of pupils to different situations.
The article gives us insight into these new discoveries and
gives also us the possibility to find their practical application.
I find the article interesting and useful at the same time.
It contains theoretical data along with practical techniques,
which can be used in practice. I appreciate the deep methodological
and psychological survey of the methods of dealing with classroom
behavior disorders made by the authors. Several authors sited
in the article show that the author has made a serous research
of the problem described. The article presents diverse set
of problems that may appear in the classroom and provides
the means to resolve them. As the author states “Through
practice comes proficiency.” And I believe that a lot
of practical advises can be obtained from the article.
Sources
1. Analysis of Behavior Modification in the Classroom (www.ldonline.org/article/6030)
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