Chapter 9 Post #8

Through the case study with Lisa, there are many ways/tools from a behaviorist view that could encourage productive behaviors or discourgae undesirable behaviors. As a punishment (remove positive reinforcer) Lisa can be given less recess/free time. This would show that her behavior is unacceptable and has consquences. To encourage good behavior at the times she presents it, the teacher should give a positive reinforcement by praising her for her good work ethic.

From the cognitive viewpoint, the teacher's role is to focus on learning based on how people perceive, think, speak and problem-solve. Behaviorists do not take this into consideration. The teacher could take the time to talk to Lisa and understand what she is thinking. This would help the teacher to realize why she is acting the way she is. Certain factors could be causing her behavior, and talking about it or providing choices could help.

I believe both outlooks could provide benefits to the situation. I do not think that things should always be taken away from students, but sometimes just communicating with them does not work either. A balance of theories seem to be a good way of looking at this. The way we 'deal' with students depends on the individual. I do however find myself to lean more towards the cognitive theory when comparing these two.

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