Thoughts by Peterpan

Behavior Change Principles

captpeterpan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:51:19 +0000

These are the principles of behavior change process according to Walker and Shea (1999):

1. Reinforcement is dependent on the exhibition of the target behavior.

2. The target behavior is to be reinforced immediately after it is exhibited.

3. During the initial stages of the behavior change process, the target behavior is reinforced each time it is exhibited.

4. When the target behavior reaches a satisfactory level, it is reinforced intermittently.

5. If tangible reinforcers are applied, social reinforcers are always applied with them.

Walker, James E. and Shea, Thomas M. (1999). Behavior management: A practical approach for educators. New Jersey: Merrill.

Challenge my thoughts: Post a question if there is a principle that needs to get clarified, or you want my thoughts to help you further analyze a given principle. Your question must be thought-provoking enough to merit a response.

Linguistics for Non-Linguists

captpeterpan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:02:32 +0000

Linguistics is the systematic study of human languages. It involves the description and analysis of the various aspects of a language; these aspects include pragmatics, semantics, syntax, morphology, phonology, discourse and other language acquisition concerns.

Challenge your thoughts: How may linguistics help language teachers provide opportunities for second language acquisition? Let your thougths be heard. Cite a theory of SLA to back up your contention.

Every Teacher, a Behavior Management Specialist

captpeterpan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:40:46 +0000

Every teacher should be an expert of behavior management. The business of a teacher is primarily to make the students develop competencies and learn new skills; the greatest indicator of learning is a change in the child’s behavior. Therefore, teachers should learn how to manage their students’ behaviors to facilitate learning.

Challenge your thoughts: Specify how may behavior management principles help a teacher facilitate learning in a general education classroom. Let your thoughts be heard.