Saturday, September 14, 2013

Chapter 13- Gabrielle Ambrose- ED PSYCH 401

To create a learning environment that is conducive to learning, I would first like to rearrange the furniture in the classroom so that students will be encouraged to interact with each other when appropriate. Next, I would like to make general rules for the classroom. The rules will be thought of by me and also by the students. By having the students participate in making the rules for the classroom, they will all equally feel involved in managing the attitude of the classroom and the classroom schedule. I also would like to explain to students that they should feel free to express their opinions when we have group discussions during class and also during one on one discussions with me as long as they do not break any of the class rules. Respect should be of the utmost importance in the classroom and should be stressed during discussions and class time. Keeping data on my students is also very important. By keeping data on my students’ behavior, I can prevent behavior problems before they even begin. I want assess students and their progress throughout the school year to determine whether I need to change my methods of instruction. I will modify my instruction if needed. Lastly, I will need to develop and maintain healthy, respectful, trusting and friendly relationships with my students and their parents. By doing this, parents will always be aware of where their child stands in the classroom and the student will also know this information.


I have chosen the Elementary Education Case Study. It seems that Lisa has a tough time focusing on class work and staying on task. There are many steps that need to be taken to decrease and stop this behavior. Being a future special educator, the first step I would take in intervening with Lisa’s behavior issue presented in this case study would be to collect data on the students’ behavior. By collecting data on Lisa and her group members, I can determine whether the behavior issue is Lisa or her group members. Collecting data will also help me to decipher whether Lisa does this specific behavior at certain times during the school day; for example, she may be trying to get out of doing an assignment or participating in a particular academic subject. Next, it would be a good idea to conduct a Positive behavioral support (PBS). This will assist in determining why the negative behavior is occurring- whether Lisa or the students at her table are trying to escape, make a demand, self-stimulate or get attention. By knowing why the behavior is occurring, this can help me, the student and the parents to come up with an intervention plan. Lastly, I would like to sit down with Lisa’s parents to discuss a proper intervention plan. During this meeting, I would discuss reinforcers and punishers that will work to decrease Lisa’s inappropriate behavior.    
This link describes PBS and Classroom Management strategies:

1 comment:

  1. I really like your strategy to allow the students to participate in making the classroom rules. That is a great way to start the school year, as it gives them a sense of ownership in the classroom. If they make a rule, they are less apt to break it. It really works well with the open communication concept, as long as it is within the scope of the previously created rules. This strategy also contributes to decreasing bullying attempts in the classroom. It is a great opportunity to allow students to become part of the solution. As you are making the rules together, you can prompt them. For example, you can ask students questions that allow them to think critically about the rules. A great question would be, "How should we treat our friends in the classroom?" and "What rules should we make about how we treat others?"

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