I feel that the main correlation between the practice heard and read about this week is mainly focused on the positive influence of the correct behaviors. Little was discussed about showing/focusing on the negative outcomes. I think that this is a very important to show the positive outcomes. People in general are more internally motivated by something positive than by a negative reaction. This is something that I try to practice frequently in my class and it almost always more effective than putting the negative spin on it things. Another approach that I use with my students that relates to the Behaviorist Theory deals with the activities in the classroom. There will be days where the students work hard and get everything finished early so they receive the time left in class for a small game or time to start homework. I make it very clear that they are receiving it because of their hard work and effort. For the days where they are very uncooperative they receive extra homework for the material we did not get covered in class. I do the same thing, making sure they realize why they have the extra work.
What I liked most about almost all of the strategies presented was the link to real world applications that applied directly to the student performing the task. There was no hypothetical situation but an actual connection between the students and the data presented. With the use of technology the information presented is far more accurate and immediate compared to doing the same task by hand. This is both beneficial to the students and teacher because of the easy comprehension, quick feed back and accessibility to both parties. I have done many graphing activities with the students and after showing the home to construct graphs using excel I find that students use the resource quite often for their own projects. It can even be considered a fun activity when the students customize the graphs with colors and patterns.
Jonas,
ReplyDeleteYou motivate the class to work hard so that they get extra time to do something which they like or by doing homework .when students work hard they achieve success. This is exactly we as educators inculcate so that the students learn on daily basis and become life long learners
Jonas,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of motivating your students to work hard. They know that when they work together and cooperate, they will be able to have some time to themselves to play games, etc. But when they do not cooperate, the work they did not get to will still be expected to be completed, only has homework. I believe that this is a great approach. As teachers, we know what are students are capable of and if they choose to have an "off" day they still should be held accountable for the work that was not completed.
Liz,
ReplyDeleteI think it the main reason I do this is becuase I am trying to prepare them for life. When these students enter middle school they have no idea the amount of change that is going to occur. I try to incorperate the work ethic during this change so that later on in life will be easier. At this age they are becoming young adults and as adults we are not excused for not completing work. Yes at first it is a little rough for them but once they are in the groove things go a lot smoother.
Jonas,
ReplyDeleteI too try to use positive reinforcement all the time. If a student is not sitting in their seat properly, instead of asking them why they are not sitting down, I ask them if there a safer way to position themselves. Not only am I avoiding negative words, but the student is mindful of the proper way to handle themselves.
In regards to homework, I do the same as you. If students are cooperative and working hard, they may start their homework early. I do stress to them that this is a priviledge because homework is for home. The students still have to take it home for parents to review even if it is completed in class. When the class is not cooperating and we do not cover all the material we were supposed to, they still receive homework, although I do not give them extra. The class learns that they need to cooperate and work hard in order to achieve more.
Da’Shawn
Jonas
ReplyDeletePreparing students for the future is key. In a lot of newly refined standards, there is a strong need to prepare students for college and the work place. Although it is hard for our students to comprehend this, it is very important that it is happening in all classrooms.