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)
