Behaviorism Scenarios

Richard Weston

May 22, 2015

ELM – 200

Behaviorism Scenarios

1. Second grader Marla has gotten out of her seat during teacher-led instruction (of various topics/subjects) 5 times in the last week. When you asked her why she was getting up, she told you, "I just get antsy!"

B.F. Sinner believed in the applications of behaviorist principles in the classroom. In this scenario with Marla this is an ongoing problem and should be addressed as with continuous reinforcement. If we want Marla to remain in her seat and stop this behavior we have to use reinforcement to break the pattern early on when this behavior starts. We can use a reward or punishment for this behavior. It is clear that Marla understands the reason of her behavior “I just get antsy!” A positive possible strategy to reduce or eliminate the misbehavior is to have a cueing for this behavior. When Marla starts to get up, the teacher can give her a cue such as body language to remind her to remain seated. Another alternative might be a cue from her when she starts to feel antsy. Taking a quick break for the class for a minute or two and allow students to make notes, talk among themselves, get up and stretch, walk around or simply read or draw of something of interests to get their minds back on track without one student disturbing the entire class.

A motivational strategy might be that Marla is rewarded for remaining in her set for the majority of the class and she might be allowed a few extra minutes at the end of the class to read or work on something of her choice. If there was a class reward “token” or “money” system in place she might earn a token for remaining in her seat for the length of class.

2. Third graders Frank and Raul often whisper during the teacher-led math instruction, even after being asked to stop.

Anytime there is less desirable behavior that is ongoing or in this case, often it has to be addressed and continuous reinforcement should...