R2P #1

  1. One thing I observed in my placement was a clear establishment of rules. There were certain times throughout the morning routine where students were to be quiet, lined up to do something, expected to use manners (while being served lunch for example), etc. However, students seemed to follow these rules based more on the possible consequences rather than wanting to simply follow the rules.
  2. Based on my observations, I pose the question of “How can we better use positive reinforcement rather than consequence and punishment to manage classroom behavior?”
  3. The article I found to support this question is called “Caring Behavior Management: The Spirit Makes the Difference.” This article discusses how to use a positive classroom environment to better manage your classroom and student behavior. Essentially, the attitude of the teacher is indicative of the students they are producing during the school year. Consistency is key when it comes to positive reinforcement; the desired behavior will not be evident if it is inconsistently enforced.
  4. After reading this article and considering my question, I wonder if there may be a way to display and reinforce the rules in a positive, consistent way. For example, rather than paying closer attention to the students who are not obeying the classroom rules, focus more on the students that are. Use this as an opportunity to model for the class how they should be acting and give some sort of positive reinforcement or reward so that the continued behavior becomes ongoing.