Before one can discuss the topic of behavior modification, they need to understand the theory of behaviorism. Behaviorism is a theory of learning based upon the idea that not all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. In the article Legray, Dufrene, Mercer, Olmi, …show more content…
Teachers can always learn new tricks and tips to keep their classroom in order. In my future classroom, I will take this behavior theory into consideration. When a behavior problem is seen with one of my students I will not lose my temper and send them to the office, but I will instead assess the students and discover what is causing the specific behavior. After that is discovered, I will then figure out a new alternative behavior for the student that is acceptable in the classroom. When a new alternative behavior is figured out, I will help my student recognize that they are behaving better. I will do this by reinforcing the new behavior with praise of a reward, until the past behavior has become extinct and nowhere to be seen. Although rewards can cause a student to stop the appropriate behavior, they can sometimes cause problems as well. When a student realizes that they are continuously being rewarded for their good behavior they will continue to behave in that way. However, when the rewards stop and they realize they are no longer being awarded, the appropriate behavior may stop and the extinct behavior will most likely make a comeback. Teachers need to be aware of this and make sure they do not reinforce good behavior with only rewards. It needs to be split between praise as well or make sure that they are not rewarding the student every time, just every so often. With these tips in my mind I believe that I will be able to run my future classroom