Learning through Positive Reinforcement

Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, and B.F. Skinner were behaviorists who focused on conditioning in the classroom and providing positive reinforcement. Pavlov used classical conditioning to train dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell. He paired the bell with food resulting in the dogs salivating. Pavlov believed that educators should focus on the behavior of the students in order for the behavior they want to keep reoccurring. Watson believed that by using conditioning, the wanted behavior can consistently be performed. Skinner built on both of their theories, explaining how positive reinforcement is the best way to influence classroom behavior. I believe that these theorists implemented good points.

As a future educator, I have a very strong belief in positive reinforcement, I do not believe that negative punishment works as efficiently in the classroom setting. I strongly believe when working with children with special needs positive reinforcement is essential. In a classroom, if a teacher wants a behavior to continue, positively reinforcing that behavior will condition the child to know that is the wanted behavior. Setting goals or giving incentives I believe will not only help the behavior to continue to occur but further motivate the student.

Punishment does not reduce the behavior, it only further engages the behavior. Excessive negative punishment can create many more problems between the student and educator in the future, keeping negative punishment to a minimum creates a warmer environment. High disapproval teaching can create a hostile and violent environment. Students become angry with the teacher and the aggressive behavior will continue to occur. In some situations ignoring the behavior is the best option, by ignoring the behavior it will eventually become limited. Selective ignoring can be used when the behavior is not harmful to the individual or others, but when it is dangerous further measure should be taken. If the behavior is dangerous in a classroom setting, behavioral specialists may have to come in and take over.

I believe that I learn best through positive reinforcement. Throughout my education path, I have learned most effectively from high approval teachers. Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of the desirable behavior, so in a classroom setting if incentives and rewards are put in place, the educator is more likely to get positive responses from their students. Some of the best teachers that I have had used positive reinforcement by using things like behavior bingo boards, homework charts, candy, and other prizes.

I have had other teachers who used positive punishment. I do not believe this works in a classroom setting. An environment where a student constantly feels attacked creates a barrier between the teacher and student which can cause a surplus of issues.  Although punishment alleviated the behavior immediately, it can cause behavioral issues in the future along with the original behavior continuing. When the teacher use positive punishment, it made me resent them and not want to participate in their classroom activities. Whereas, when positive reinforcement when used, it was self motivating and helped me enjoy the classroom environment and the work that I was doing.

A positive learning environment allows maximization of self motivation and confidence. Using active listening and repeating what the student says to me is important for them to feel like they are heard and understood. As most of my teachers did for me, As a future teacher I believe that my job will be to allow my students to express themselves in any way possible and be able to welcome other’s differences with open arms. Creating a comfortable learning environment I believe is essential to a students success. Having a positive mind, positive attitude, and having high expectations of each student will create a positive learning environment.