Chapter 9 Learning Log

What?
Chapter 9 focuses on the theory of Behaviorism. Behaviorism is a semi-permanent change in behavior. The advantage of this theory are that reinforcing proper behaviors promotes classroom compliance. However, the disadvantages are that there is no grantee that the behaviors are permanent, and it tends to focuses on rewards rather than learning. There are five main assumptions that we covered in our class discussion. First, the environment has a large influence. Second, learning is an observable event. Third, learning is a behavior change. Fourth, a focus on contiguity of events, which is a series of things in a continuous connection. Fifth, a focus on the similarities of learning principles across species. It is also important to note that classical conditioning is a conscious decision, and operant conditioning is a conscious decision.

So What?
Behaviorism is important to know as a future teacher and be included on the class syllabus because it can help a teacher understand students behaviors, and help a teacher to promote classroom compliance. Understand the content of this chapter will help me to be a great teacher by helping me to understand students' behaviors. With the understanding of positive and negative reinforcers I can always increase a behavior, whether by rewards (positive reinforcements) or by causing an avoidance (negative reinforcements).

Now What?
One piece of information from this chapter that I think is really important to implement into my classroom is using response costs rather than verbal reprimands. Verbal reprimands are probably easier; however, they can be ineffective and embarrassing for the student. Response costs, taking away a previously earned reinforcer or the opportunity to obtain a reinforcer, because it doesn't provide the attention that some students seek for with their inappropriate behaviors, and it doesn't publicly embarrass the students either.