Reflective Blog #3

In class today we discussed behaviorism, and personal characteristics in learning like self-efficacy, self-regulation, and collective efficacy. I really enjoyed discussing these topics because I can really connect them to my field experience. The four behaviorism techniques to use in the classroom can be really helpful in controlling a large group of students, but it should not be relied on because it does not build any inner moral principles and thinking. With behaviorism, it just conditions students to do something either involuntarily or voluntarily. It does not help them understand why they should do something. I have observed my CT using techniques like the shaping technique and the praise and ignore technique. I feel like both techniques are helpful because it shows the students you care. I personally like using the praise and ignore technique. When working with large groups of students, it helps because it positively reminds those who are not following directions to copy the actions of others who are following directions.

Personal characteristics in learning as visible in my field experience every day. Students display their self-efficacy in their attitudes towards assignments and activities. They display their self-regulation by containing their behavior and following the directions of my CT. They also display their positive collective efficacy as a whole class. My CT does an excellent job of promoting self-efficacy even with students who are at lower levels than others. She teaches them that she is there for them and as long as they put forth their best effort, they can achieve their small goals for success. This self-efficacy ties into the self-regulation and collective efficacy because the students work together to have this positive belief in their success.