Applying behaviorism in the classroom

By Briana Nussbaum
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
November, 2010

Today in class we learned about reinforcements and consequences. There are six main different types of reinforcements; positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment, extinction, time out and response cost. Negative reinforcement and punishment are very similar. The difference between them is that the resulting changes in behavior are different. For negative reinforcement, behavior strengthens and increases, while for punishment, behavior weakens, decreases and suppresses.

I was actually able to view these two types of reinforcement today during my observation at Abbey Lane Elementary School. At this school, I observe an after-school program (LAP) where the students do their homework, play games and have free time. Negative reinforcement was displayed through the idea of a “red card” or a “black card.” A red card equals a five minute time out to students who misbehave, while a black card equals a time out for the remaining time at LAP that day. These cards are there to warn the students of the consequences of bad behavior. Today, I also witnessed an actual punishment. During free time today, the students were able to go outside and play. A bunch of boys had been playing football, and were told they could play touch football, not tackle football. Two boys started to get a little out of hand and were warned, but within minutes they were tackling each other. Not only was their punishment to sit out for the remaining time outside, but due to their misconduct, playing football was banned from the program entirely. The counselor in charge made them stand up in front of everyone and told the rest of the kids that it was their fault that football was no longer allowed.

Regardless of the type of reinforcement, students get something out of it. Consequences are necessary because they teach lessons that the students can then apply to the future. I know that when I become a teacher I will do my best to positively reinforce my students, praising good behavior. I am sure there will come a time in my future career where I will have to punish my students as well. When this time comes, I will be sure to do something that will teach a lesson but not scar my students in a forceful manner. Today’s lesson really taught me a lot, and I am glad I was able to see two types of reinforcement in action today at my observation.