Module 3

Behavior is a learned through social interactions, and the reactions toward a certain behavior pose it  as favorable or unfavorable. As Woolfolk suggests, behavior can be shaped according to the expectations of the social setting. One way to shape a behavior is through "positive practice" or encouraging a person to replace an unfavorable behavior with a desirable action. I believe "positive practice" is another way of redirecting a person to choose a pleasant action. It does not shame the students for committing an error instead it influences other agreeable choices that lead to desirable behaviors. For example, a students runs from one side of the class to other in search of required materials. The teacher simply responds with acknowledging how fast the student moved throughout the classroom and suggests "I see that you can run really fast, but I want to see if you put away your things with walking and moving so carefully without bumping into anything or anyone". The teacher is encouraging a "positive practice" with acknowledging the negative action of running and encouraging the student to walk carefully within the classroom. This method of "positive practice" is used quite frequently within the classroom I work in. I will say ,although, it does not work for all behaviors, it still is an effective approach for positive behavior within the classroom. I feel when students are given harsh feedback for a mistake; it may heighten the situation in making the student and teacher upset and responding in an aggressive manner. Redirection and positive practice promote a peaceful and positive learning environment.