How Is the Concept of Behaviorism Important for EducatorsYou implemented a strict behaviorism model in your 4th grade class. When students answer questions correctly you give them positive feedback; if they are wrong, you give them corrective feedback. Students who participate in class, answer questions correctly and help other students receive points. At the end of the week, you calculate these points and give those who have scored over 100 points small rewards. You try to ensure that every student receives an award at least once a month. Three students in your class recently arrived in the United States and do not speak English. They cannot read or write in Spanish or English. You attempt to include them in the lessons, but they do not raise their hands. You tried calling on them, but they refused to answer. They always sit together at a table in the back of the room. By 10:30 they are bored and start laughing quietly among themselves. Most class members earn between 100 and 110 points a week; these students have not won any points. You realize that they can’t understand what is being done in class, but you fear that if you don’t do something other students who are easily bored may start behaving the way they do. How can you modify your behaviorism model to include these three students? Can you set a different standard of behavior for them so you can give them rewards? Can you give them any positive feedback? What factors do you need to consider if the students continue their present behavior? How could their behavior effect the rest of the class? What message are you sending the students by not giving them rewards? To earn an A you must think carefully about this situation. Is your objective to teach all of the students in the class or to focus on these three students? If you modify your lessons for these three students are you harming the other students in your class? What do you expect of your students? When teachers use behaviorism are they bribing class members to act in a certain manner?Show more
