25 Jan 2006 | Timothy J. Landrum, James M. Kauffman
The Handbook of Classroom Management, edited by Carolyn M. Evertson and Carol S. Weinstein, presents a comprehensive overview of behavioral approaches to classroom management. This chapter, authored by Timothy J. Landrum and James M. Kauffman, explores the five basic behavioral operations: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, extinction, response cost punishment, and punishment involving aversives. These operations are fundamental to understanding and applying behavioral principles in classroom settings.
Positive reinforcement involves increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a contingent stimulus, such as praise or tangible rewards. It has been shown to be effective in improving academic and social behavior in students across various age groups and settings. However, teachers often fail to consistently apply positive reinforcement, leading to ineffective classroom management.
Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. It is often misunderstood due to the term "negative," but it is not about punishment. Instead, it focuses on removing something students find aversive to encourage desired behaviors. However, its application can sometimes inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors if not carefully managed.
Extinction refers to the reduction of a behavior when the reinforcement that maintains it is removed. It is a powerful tool for teachers to decrease negative behaviors, but it requires careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences. Teachers must be prepared for an extinction burst, a temporary increase in the behavior before it decreases.
Response cost punishment involves removing a previously earned reinforcer as a consequence of undesirable behavior. It is preferred over aversives because it does not involve applying an unpleasant stimulus. However, it must be applied carefully to avoid negative outcomes.
Punishment involving aversives involves applying an unpleasant stimulus to decrease undesirable behavior. While it may be necessary in some cases, it is generally discouraged due to the potential for misuse and negative side effects. Mild aversives, such as reprimands, are more appropriate and effective in many classroom settings.
The chapter also discusses applied behavior analysis, which has evolved into a significant field of study in education. It highlights the importance of systematic research and the application of behavioral principles to improve classroom management. The use of single-case experimental designs, such as reversal, multiple baseline, changing criterion, and multielement designs, is emphasized as a way to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
The chapter addresses concerns about the behavioral approach to classroom management, including issues of generalization, coercion, and ethical considerations. It emphasizes the need for teachers to be trained and supported in the application of behavioral procedures to ensure effective and ethical classroom management. Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of behavioral approaches to classroom management, highlighting their effectiveness and the importance of proper implementation.The Handbook of Classroom Management, edited by Carolyn M. Evertson and Carol S. Weinstein, presents a comprehensive overview of behavioral approaches to classroom management. This chapter, authored by Timothy J. Landrum and James M. Kauffman, explores the five basic behavioral operations: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, extinction, response cost punishment, and punishment involving aversives. These operations are fundamental to understanding and applying behavioral principles in classroom settings.
Positive reinforcement involves increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a contingent stimulus, such as praise or tangible rewards. It has been shown to be effective in improving academic and social behavior in students across various age groups and settings. However, teachers often fail to consistently apply positive reinforcement, leading to ineffective classroom management.
Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. It is often misunderstood due to the term "negative," but it is not about punishment. Instead, it focuses on removing something students find aversive to encourage desired behaviors. However, its application can sometimes inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors if not carefully managed.
Extinction refers to the reduction of a behavior when the reinforcement that maintains it is removed. It is a powerful tool for teachers to decrease negative behaviors, but it requires careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences. Teachers must be prepared for an extinction burst, a temporary increase in the behavior before it decreases.
Response cost punishment involves removing a previously earned reinforcer as a consequence of undesirable behavior. It is preferred over aversives because it does not involve applying an unpleasant stimulus. However, it must be applied carefully to avoid negative outcomes.
Punishment involving aversives involves applying an unpleasant stimulus to decrease undesirable behavior. While it may be necessary in some cases, it is generally discouraged due to the potential for misuse and negative side effects. Mild aversives, such as reprimands, are more appropriate and effective in many classroom settings.
The chapter also discusses applied behavior analysis, which has evolved into a significant field of study in education. It highlights the importance of systematic research and the application of behavioral principles to improve classroom management. The use of single-case experimental designs, such as reversal, multiple baseline, changing criterion, and multielement designs, is emphasized as a way to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
The chapter addresses concerns about the behavioral approach to classroom management, including issues of generalization, coercion, and ethical considerations. It emphasizes the need for teachers to be trained and supported in the application of behavioral procedures to ensure effective and ethical classroom management. Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of behavioral approaches to classroom management, highlighting their effectiveness and the importance of proper implementation.