1.

Explain the basic principles of behaviorism

The principles of behaviorism are represented through a sequence of events and possibly lead to
“time-out” period. Time-out is used by parents as a disciplinary tool towards their misbehaving
child. Parents respond to child’s actions through reinforcement, whether it be expressed by a
positive or negative feedback. When a child does something unacceptable or troublesome the
parent may use seclusion as a type of punishment known as “time-out”. After the child a has
done something wrong they must sit in a quite area by themselves and think about what they had
done wrong.
The “time-out” isolation usually is dismissed after the child has cooled down and acknowledges
their behavior and is ready to appropriately. Time-out usually influences a child’s behavioral
development by learning the consequences of disobedience.
This type of reinforcement could have many consequences based on the parent’s discretion.
Some parents may use the threat of deprivation as a further penalty. The removal of the child’s
TV, video games, cell phone or time with friends may be taken away until the child has fully
understands why they are being punished.
If the parents have successfully reinforced the child’s behaviors throughout development, the
child should not be repeating a punishment for the same bad behavior that was once
acknowledge. The child’s behavior should have already been handled and frequency of
misbehaving should decrease.

2. Make a simple plan applying the principles of learning.

 Be explicit about your goals in your course materials

 Stage assignments by breaking tasks into smaller assignments.
 Look for patterns of errors in student work.
 Prioritize your feedback
 Incorporate peer feedback.

3. Explain how to use rewards in the learning process effectively.

 Set class goals
Set class behavior goals that are achievable and measurable. For example: when
you raise your hand, all the students stop talking within 20 seconds. Let your
students participate in setting up those goals. It will motivate them more to abide
by the rules.
 Define how you will use the reward system.
 This is the key to success. When are students receiving rewards? What are your
boundaries? Make your intentions clear. For example: students will receive a reward
when they help another student, they finish homework a day early, when they participate
in class.
 Explain why you gave a reward
Give your students specific, genuine feedback attached to the reward. For
example: “John, you showed respect by letting Marc in before you”.
 Give a students a voice
It’s important to let your students participate in choosing rewards. To be sure that
rewards are valuable and motivating for the students, you can have a brainstorm about it,
let them put together a list of acceptable rewards. You still have the final word.
 Reward early
Just like giving feedback, reward must given shortly after the shown behavior. In
the case, students won’t forget what they did to deserve it and other students won’t get
suspicious.
 Lessen the reward over time
Raise your expectations for the student’s behavior in order to receive the same
reward. Students shouldn’t get addicted to rewards. They have to work because of an
intrinsic motivation. As students achieve success in your class, they can learn to be
motivated by their own achievements.
 Give random rewards
Rewarding students randomly for their behavior and achievements keeps them on
their toes. They’ll want to be on task just in case.