Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What is Behaviour?
Definition: Any glandular, chemical, electrical, or muscular response. Anything a person does.
Control Theory
Glasser (1984) states that control is necessary for the psychological balance is ones life. It is a common trait of human beings to want control in their lives. In schools this is carried to such an extent that discipline itself is often seen as synonymous with control.
Glassers Control Theory suggests that one of the criteria that makes us psychologically healthy is possessing control in our life.
Glasser (1984) suggests that there are FOUR basic human needs. They are : - Love - Control - Freedom - Fun
Reality Therapy
Reality Therapy is a series of steps to help children understand the choices they are making. A teacher first tries to help the student identify the inappropriate behaviour of the student. Then the teacher helps the student identify the consequences of that behaviour.
THOMAS GORDON
1918 - 2002 Keys to Success
Use of coercive
damages relationships.
power
Gordon believes that when the lesson flow keeps the students attention without frequent interruptions, distractions, or diversions, there is less opportunity for offtask behaviour and less competition for student attention from what is external to the lesson.
Gordons Words:
Classroom discipline occurs best when children are able to use their inner sense of self control.
Skinners Approach
All we need to know in order to describe and explain behaviour is this: actions followed by good outcomes are likely to reoccur , and actions followed by bad outcomes are less likely to recur. (Skinner, 1953)
Laboratory Examples
Operant Conditioning
Exploring Scratching Pigeon (in a Skinner box) Key-pecking Grooming Defecating Urinating Reinforcement (food pellet)
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT = increasing a behaviour by administering a reward NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT = increasing a behaviour by removing an aversive stimulus when a behaviour occurs PUNISHMENT = decreasing a behaviour by administering an aversive stimulus following a behaviour OR by removing a positive stimulus EXTINCTION = decreasing a behaviour by not rewarding it
SCHEDULES OF REINFORCEMENT
Interval schedules: reinforcement occurs after a certain amount of time has passed Fixed Interval = reinforcement is presented after a fixed amount of time Variable Interval = reinforcement is delivered on a random/variable time schedule Ratio schedules: reinforcement occurs after a certain number of responses Fixed Ratio = reinforcement presented after a fixed # of responses Variable Ratio = reinforcement delivery is variable but based on an overall average # of responses
We all make choices according to basic needs that come from within ourselves. The needs drive our choices and influence how we behave in those choices.
5 Basic Needs
(according to Glasser)
The need for pleasure To play To laugh Naturally motivating No one has to bribe you to do these things
The need for independence For autonomy For control over ones own life For choice
Empowerment The need to achieve To be recognized for achievement/skills To have a sense of self-worth To contribute
The need for love For relationships Social connection Part of a group
In schools, we must work to make students (parents, teachers) feel they belong
Physiological The need for food, shelter, safety Safe from bullying
Schools should be a safe environment from bodily harm, mental or physical intimidation, abuse.
Strengths of Skinners Theory -Behaviour Modification Emphasis behaviours, on measuring of observable unobservable instead
constructs (unconscious) Helps shaping behaviour Practical usage of theory applicable in classrooms
THOMAS GORDON
DISADVANTAGES
Rewards bring disadvantages because: Students become concerned only with the reward, not with good behaviour When rewards are removed, students revert to improper behaviour When students accustomed to rewards do not receive them, they feel they are being punished
William Glasser
ADVANTAGES
Focusing on acting and thinking reduce resistance to counseling Allowing for a wide range of acceptable behaviors to satisfy needs
DISADVANTAGES
Not give enough emphasis to
Feelings Unconscious Dream Transference the effect of early childhood experiences, the power of the past to influence ones present personality.
Application in classroom should focus on 1) Reinforcements - Positive reinforcements - Negative reinforcements 2) Punishments
Punishment: Use aversive stimulus following response to decrease likelihood of behaviour in the future
WILLIAM GLASSER
Focus on the present
- Avoid discussing the past
THOMAS GORDON
Ordering, Commanding & Directing (fear & resentment) Warning or threatening (Fear, Submission & Hostility) Moralising & preaching (guilt feelings) Advising, Giving solutions or suggestions (feeling misunderstood )