Behaviorism

   I have most often observed my teacher using the theory of Behaviorism in her class. At the beginning of each day each student receives a ticket. Throughout the day if a negative behavior happens, the student might have a ticket taken away. Tickets can be removed  for any type of behavior that goes against the classroom rules. Most often, the students are reminded first, and the ticket is only taken if they continually break the same rule. She has her rules clearly posted in the class making it very easy for the children to know what is expected of them.

     On Friday afternoon, any remaining tickets the students have are deposited in a bucket for a drawing. The more tickets a child has retained, the more chances they have of winning a prize. So far in my observation, it seems all the children almost always are successful at keeping all their tickets. She brings out a little treasure box full of Dollar Tree and Oriental Trading Co. items similar to what you would find in a dentists office. She spreads them out on the table and when a student's name is drawn, they can come choose their prize. She draws multiple names each Friday. I believe her method is very effective  in that her class is very well behaved. They come to attention quickly, return to attention quickly, and are kind to each other. This leads to an environment very conducive to learning.