Behaviorism Essay

Today’s classrooms are designed after a few key theories. One of which is behaviorism. Behaviorism is the idea that we can control others through intervention as a higher order of animals. One of the guiding principles of behaviorism is scheduling, which helps initiate behaviorism strategies of learning. One of those strategies is contracting in which a teacher and a student negotiate to create a desirable outcome. Another is a token economy which uses contracting and scheduling to produce systematic results. In addition, prompting is the idea that a student will know what to do if a certain activity occurs. Modeling is simply the idea that your behavior will determine that of your students. Finally, Rote learning is the concept of use it

Kinds of consequences are divided into number of categories. The first, positive reinforcement is the presentation of a desirable consequences so a specific behavior is strengthened (Goodman). Negative reinforcement is the removal of a desirable consequence or natural punishment (Goodman). Pre-correction is the idea that you can correct or warn a child before the behavior happens. Punishment is the presentation of an undesirable consequence (Goodman). Extinction is the process of withholding reinforcements to weaken a previously reinforced behavior (Goodman). Shaping is rewarding behaviors that gradually get closer to a desired or targeted behavior (cite).

In addition, reinforcement can be effective if certain guidelines are followed. To begin you must identify or target a behavior or behaviors that you want to reinforce (Ackerman). The next step would be to choses a method for reinforcing. Then, pick consequences, and determine a

Contracting is a form of positive and negative reinforcement. Contracting can be used to indicate and reinforce desired behaviors. Contracting is an agreement between a student and the teacher (Woollard). Formal contracting is usually a written agreement with includes an end goal, the conditions of rewards and consequences. Contracting is a way to motivate kids to act a certain way. It involves discussing what you want them to do, consequences and rewards. For this to work you want to get them involved. The easiest way to get them involved would be to let them pick the rewards. If it is able to be provided and you are ok with it then proceed. if not negotiate until a solution can be found. After than the follow through became very important. Contracting generally works best when you provided visual aids and can implement in as part of a token economy. This technique is best used as a support for students who need simple reminders and are easily motivated to improve. While this technique is popular and can work well. It can be hard to get a student to do a desired task after.