Markert Noticing Blog

Abby Markert

Noticing Blog 8

Positive reinforcement is an important part of the classroom. I have found that student’s respond to positive reinforcement and can help the classroom management become easier. I have realized that when I spend more time complimenting the student’s who are doing the right thing rather than reprimanding those who are not doing the correct thing goes a long way. The students do respond and follow the lead of their peers. It also is beneficial to those student’s who are constantly doing the correct thing. Instead of those students listening to nagging they are rewarded. I have been working really hard at saying things like “I love how Sandy is sitting in the ready to learn position.” Or “ I love how we are all sitting quietly doing our writing.” These types of phrases help the student’s realize what they should be doing rather making note of the negative behavior. I have noticed when I use these phrases the majority of the students look around to find what that student is doing to copy them. This is a great way to interrupt those students who are not doing what they should but by highlighting the correct way to be acting. Sometimes the students just need redirection and positive reinforcement works well for this. Another benefit for the teacher is it is far more exhausting constantly trying to correct the incorrect behavior. It takes less time and it is a powerful tool for classroom management. I have found from my MT and myself when I am teaching that creating a positive environment is beneficial for both parties. Students who are being complimented I have noticed are motivated to continue acting the way they have been. Those students who have not been acknowledged for whatever also want that recognition so they change their own behavior.

As much as I would like to say I am always positive, it is not really possible. I would like to work harder at being more positive than negative but it is a working progress. We sometimes are conditioned to constantly correct the negative behavior as a way to fix it but sometimes stressing the positive behavior works just as well. There is a fine line between behavior that can be promoted and those students who may need to hear the negative to be able to act correctly. Some students do not care what others are doing and it will not affect their behavior. In those instances I have found that those students need to have a clearer redirection. I have found that even taking them to the side and explaining to them calmly about their behavior works too. One girl in particular is a student who is constantly acting out and never seems to care when other students are doing the right thing. She will insist on acting inappropriately. I have tried to highlight her positive behavior to encourage it but that doesn't seem to work, I have also told her what she is doing is not appropriate and that does not normally stop the behavior. However, when I pull her aside and talk to her about her actions she normally responds in a positive manner. This also gives her the opportunity to explain why she is acting the way she is. This is a more focused way to handle a situation but it is more positive and can work well for some students. I think it is important to try and implement as much as possible positive feedback for the students especially if they respond to it. I believe that the more time we spend on highlighting positive behavior the less time we are feeling negative about what we are teaching and trying to accomplish.