Week 1-2 Reflection

Week 1-2 Blog Reflection

1.) Micro Session Summary

No matter what grade level is being taught, there is always a suitable behaviorist technique. Whether it be positive or negative it can produce a suitable learning environment for the students.



2.) From the behaviorist perspective learning is simply defined as someone who produces new behaviors (whether they are good or bad) due to environmental conditions. My personal definition of learning is close to this but I like to say it in simpler terms! Since it is easier for me to remember! My definition is a new behavior that (in this case) a child learns, regardless if it is positive or negative in nature, due to influences from their peers, family, or other outside stimuli (i.e. movies, shows, music, etc). This definition may be longer but it is easier to understand in my opinion! I also believe that this learning can occur in any environment at any time and at any place. For instance, a child can learn good behavior from their parents and will demonstrate it in the classroom. However, these learned behaviors can be challenged by their peers (in this example, peers who demonstrate disruptive behavior in class). In order to get along with their peers the child will start to demonstrate a new less positive learned behavior suitable (in their mind) to the environment (i.e. the classroom). The child will soon realize that their new behavior is not acceptable in the classroom environment when they eventually get punished by their teacher or parents. The student will hopefully go back to their previous learned behavior so that they can stop getting punished. Clearly, learning is a never ending experience, especially at a young age, but it is something that continues through life.

3.) What Are The Big Things That You Learned About Behaviorism?

I learned many things during this lesson. My personal favorite was the video that was assigned "Behaviorist Classroom Teaching Practice" because it showed the teacher using positive reinforcement such as saying thank you to the children for paying attention and would congratulate them when they said something that was correct. She also had a lot of energy and hand motions that she would instruct the class to do with her. She also had a visual aid at one point to help in the lesson. All these techniques and learning aids kept the children involved and there was never an instant where the children got distracted. I learned that by using positive reinforcement the children will be more inclined to answer questions and participate in class. Another thing I learned is that no matter what grade level one is in these behaviorist techniques will work, they are just simply modified depending on how old the child is. For instance, the other video that was assigned, What Is PBIS, showed how the students are rewarded for good behavior and how they are also punished for bad behavior. Such as, in the elementary school the children have a chart and if their clip stays in the green zone they go to a party rewarding their good behavior. I think this is a good technique to improve good behavior because the students will want to get rewarded whether it be a party or simply appraisal from a teacher or parent. I just found it fascinating how these techniques came to life in the classroom no matter how old the child was.

4.) I do believe that behaviorism demonstrates my own beliefs in how human learning occurs because people (especially children) will always learn through the actions of others. No matter it be a parent, friend, or something as simple as a television show, a child will learn this behavior regardless of it being positive or negative. The good news is, no matter what behavior is learned it means that same behavior can be relearned so as a teacher it is important to either correct the behavior or further elaborate on the behavior. For instance, if a student is misbehaving in class I can choose to deal with the situation through negative reinforcement (having the student stay after class) or I can also choose to have a discussion with the student as to why the behavior is unacceptable. Hopefully, the student will eventually learn a new behavior. If I were to become a teacher I would definitely use these techniques/approaches because the student will know what is expected of them and what is not acceptable in the classroom which would hopefully carry on into everyday life.


5.) Do You Have Any Questions Or Concerns About Course Learning?

My only question is, is it possible for these techniques to fail? For instance, is it possible for a student to be so difficult that no technique will work? I want to answer my own question and say no but I would like to know someone else's opinion.



6.)

	Modules	Topics  & Activity	Check ✓ if Completed
Week 1	Week 1-1 *Due by July 17 at 10:59 am	1) Blabber introduction	✔
		2) Week1-1 Discussion Forum: one initial response & two peer feedback replies	✔
		3) Initial Blog Activity Survey	✔
		4) Personal Blog Creation & Week 1-1 Reflection	✔
	Week 1-2 *Due by July 17 at 10:59 am	1) Week1-2 Reading Quiz	✔
		2) Week 1-2 Discussion Forum: One initial response & two peer feedback replies	✔
		3) Week 1-2 Personal Blog Reflection	✔