Learning

“DISCIPLINE 101”

1.    “Kind and Firm” are the key words to remember. Children need

       love, attention, and affection, but they also need rules and discipline

       for their brain to develop properly.

2.    When you say something, mean it; be willing to back it up, but in a kind, and caring tone.

3.    Be very careful not to discipline a child when his/her non-compliance is the result of

       confusion or misunderstanding instructions.

4.    Use discipline for teaching and reshaping behavior, not punishment.

5.    Never discipline a child when you feel is not the appropriate time.

6.    Show disapproval of the behavior, not the child.

7.    Have well-thought-out, clear, consistent, reasonable consequences to certain behaviors 

       ahead of time (Anticipation is the salient key to success).  

8.    Focus your efforts with the child on noticing good positive behaviors and reinforce them

       immediately to set a positive tone.

9.    Reinforce effort, whether or not success follows.

10. Positive reinforcement is one of the most potent tools. Nodding, smiling, and other 

       appreciative gestures may be more effective than words.

11. Have frequent contact with parents (they need to be allied with you if discipline is going to be

       effective).

“Behavior Modification”

Behavioral-Modification Approach focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors and channeling negative ones. Behavior modification is most effective when done “immediately” at the time the behavior occurs with reasonable and logical consequences (i.e., behavior is molded by its consequences). If you attend to it later, students are not likely to internalize the information. Obviously, you cannot always be everywhere or always be at every student’s side, but you can create an infrastructure that provides consistent support as much as possible (e.g., star charts, extra privileges, self-assessment checklist, cooperative teams, partner grading, multiple feedback mechanisms, etc.). Pinpoint one or two behaviors to modify at a time so that the students (and you) don’t become overwhelmed. Choose your battles carefully! Use positive affirmations! 

Bandura emphasized the role of modeling in the acquisition of new behaviors. The theory states that people learn not only from the consequences of their own behavior but also from observing the consequences of others. Learning which takes place by watching others is called “Vicarious Learning.”

References

Amen, D. G., (2008). Magnificent mind at any age. New York: Harmony Books.

James, R. & Gilliland, B. (2008). Crisis Intervention Strategies.USA:  Brooks/Cole.