1.

ii) Discuss ways in which Assertive Discipline are similar to Skinners behaviour
modification
According to behaviourist in Skinners behaviour modification, strengthening is one of
the element which is very effective for teaching new behaviours that are sensibly and also
change the current behaviour that is unreasonable. This model is focusing on a systematic
approach which change behaviour through Operant conditioning and it contain Positive
Reinforcement and Negative Reinforcement. It also as an approach that evolves from the
assumptions that students will change their behaviour to receive definite rewards. The basic
premise of behaviour modification is that student behaviour can be changed by altering the
consequences that follow their actions and behaviours. Technically, reinforcement principles
are used systematically for changing some aspect of educational practice or student
behaviours. Students who follow established procedures, who follow the rules, or who
perform well on required work are given reinforces, or rewards. The reinforce may be
teacher praise, good grades, or even such tangible items as stickers or suitable free movies
while to students who do not follow the procedures, who misbehave, or who perform poorly
are denied desired rewards or are punished in some way. Besides, according to Chong Lean
Keow (2009), this Canters Assertive Discipline Model is being pioneered by Lee and
Marlene Carter in 1976. This model contends that teachers have a basic right to teach and
students have the right to learn in a well-disciplined classroom. To this end, the Canters
advocate assertive discipline, which calls for assertive teachers who clearly and definitely
communicate needs and requirements to students, follow up their words with proper actions,
and reply to students in ways that maximize obedience but in no way violate the best interest
of the students (Canter & Canter, 1976). Assertive teachers take responsibility in the
classroom in a calm however forceful way.

Model

Skinners

Behaviour

Canters

Assertive

Implementation way

Modification Model
Using the principle

of

reinforcement which use

external

elements

increase
Strength

desired

behavior

and

to acceptance of students

desired

for the consequences of

teachers

the behaviour shown

Leveraging
teacher

become more aware and

especially new teachers.

sensitive

what

Once the discipline plan

happens in the classroom

developed and approved

and teachers be more

by

consistent

teachers do not have to

behaviors
Suggest the

about

in

terms

of

problem-solving
discipline

Weaknesses

Discipline Model
Based reinforcement of

the

administration,

think about how to deal

in

the

with

problem

behavior

classroom

that arises because it has

Encourage students to do

an existing literature
The effectiveness of a

something to reward and

discipline

not self-conscious which

cannot

less effective for adult

terms of prevent pupils

learners or students with

from

serious

misconduct. Pupils should

behavior

problems.

be

program
be

judged

in

committing
taught

on

how

important being a wellbehaved pupils.

Table 1.0

Table 1.0 shows the results of studies that have been done to see the similarities in
terms of implementation, the strengths and weaknesses of both of these aspects. There are
some similarities that can be seen in both of these models. Generally the two models is
guidance on discipline and behavior management using a different approach. Both models
have their own way in the form of classroom management and perfect quality in order to
building the discipline or behavior of pupils in a positive direction and dedication. These
models also explain or teach how one educator or anyone to understand and develop a

conducive learning environment. As a result of a conducive learning environment will be able

to attract the interest and attention of the students to gain knowledge in a wider context.
Throughout Table 1.0, it can be seen that the implementation of both of these models
have a lot in common even though in verse look different. Skinners Behaviour Modification
Model and Canter Assertive Discipline Model explains that the way to implement the
principle of reinforcement is the best method of forming the desired student behavior.
Although Skinner Behavior Modification Model using positive and negative reinforcement
while Canter Assertive Discipline Model over the rights of teachers and students,
reinforcement and punishment to the students, but a summary of both is to create positive
behaviour.
Firstly, Skinners Behaviour Modification Model is using the principle of reinforcement
which is positive or negative and use external elements to increased anticipated behaviours.
This model focusing on how a teacher using reinforcement in order to shape the behaviour
of a student. For example, a teacher gives praises as reward or positive reinforcement when
the student doing good job in the classroom. This kind of way will increase desired
behaviour. For Canter Assertive Discipline Model, teacher is using reinforcement in form of
rules in the classroom. Once the student break the rules, teacher will give punishment as
reinforcement in order to correct him or her mistake. For instance, teacher gives punishment
such as writing words on a paper for hundreds of time because the student does not
complete their homework. Both of these implementation way is similar and should be used in
the classroom.
In term of strength, Skinners Behaviour Modification Model suggests that the
teachers need to become more aware and sensitive about what happens in the classroom
and teachers be more consistent in terms of problem-solving discipline in the classroom.
This explains that a teacher had become a responsible teacher in the classroom which make
he or she will reflect or sensitive on what student do. For example, a teacher will take action
if students do other stuff during the lesson like playing with friends, sleep, and etc. As a
result, teacher will become more liable in shaping students behaviour. Similar to Skinners
model, Canter Assertive Discipline Model is leveraging teacher especially new teachers.
Once the discipline plan developed and approved by the administration, teachers do not
have to think about how to deal with problem behavior that arises because it has an existing
literature. This means rules in the classroom had been set by school administration or
teacher already become a solid guidance for a teacher to control students behaviour in the
class. For instance, student will know that their classroom rules are fixed and they will not do
anything that against the rules. This makes teacher is easy to deal with students behaviour

and can solve the discipline problem in good way if happens. So, these two strength is
similar in context on how the teacher solve or deal with discipline problems in the classroom.
Last but not least, the similarity in weakness is where Skinners model focuses on
encouraging students to do something because of reward and not for self-conscious. This
shows that teacher will face difficulty to curb with serious behaviour problem like bullying.
While, Canter assertive model is stress more on prevent pupils from committing misconduct.
This prove that teacher only can prohibited student from doing discipline problem instead of
teaching on how crucial to be a well-behave student. Thus, both of models get similarity in
term of weakness which means both model only emphasis on problem-solving discipline in
the classroom but not for self-conscious.
In conclusion, both of models have similarity in every aspect. Thus, any of two can be
used by teacher in order to implement in the classroom and provide good environment for
student.

2. Analysis of case
Based on Canters Assertive Discipline model, give your suggestion to help Ms
Sabrina manage her classroom more effectively.
Sabrina experiences case as a teacher practicum course is happening in the world
today. Many new teachers or practicum teachers who failed the practical discipline of their
students and make themselves easy to give up without trying hard to fight the obstacles that
are in front of them as an educator of the nation. This is because they are still lack
experiences in educating students. Canter Assertive Discipline model has been created to
help teachers who are having trouble controlling the pupil in the classroom or other problems
involving the management of the classroom.
The case of Ms. Sabrina can be overcome if she knows and apply the Canter
Discipline Model. In this model, Canter has said that a teacher must be assertive when
controlling Canter class and according to the "Assertive teacher consider their students as
offenders". In this model, if a teacher wants to control the class and teach effectively, the
teacher must always be assertive. Their actions may give discomfort to students in a class
taught by them but behavioral problems will be solved. According to Canter Assertive
Discipline Model, teachers authority in the classroom is setting to control the behaviour of
pupils. Therefore, Ms Sabrinas assertive approach, shall have the characteristics of teacher
assertiveness and apply it in the classroom for her to solve the problems facing.
When Sabrina wants to apply the approach of an assertive teacher, she must be a
teacher that clear, confident and express expectations and direction consistent with the firm.
Assertive teachers often build a relationship of mutual trust with the students and guide their
students how to behave in a manner that encourages collaboration between teachers and
pupils. A teacher who is assertive approach knows the demand from students. They will
articulate their desire for student behaviour and support their actions with unacceptable
behavior by students.
For example, Ms. Sabrina will make discussions of state routines and classroom
rules are clearly defined and explained to the students about the importance of routine and
rules. The students were also told about the moods of Ms. Sabrina if they comply with or
violate these rules. Students also described the consequences of the cause if they break the
rules. If Ms. Sabrina doing so, the students will be aware and clear because the rules are
established and know the effect that happens when the rules are not followed.

Besides, Ms. Sabrina should be an assertive teacher who will help pupils to
understand the forms of behavior that can bring success and not troublesome behaviour and
towards failure. Ms. Sabrina also should plan and formal disciplinary writing that clearly
states the rules and routines, and recognition as a result of misconduct. Rules should be
clearly stated on the desired behaviour from students, that behavior can be observed clearly
by teachers and non-academic. Ms. Sabrina should able to identify the rules that must be
observed by the students and at the same time caring and fair to all students, and also gives
instructions with clear and firm. For example, Sabrina told the whole class that of our class
rule is raise your hand to answer a question "

or " Raise your hand and stand quietly, I'm

going to call you ". When teacher Sabrina adopt this kind of attitude, which impact the
management discipline in the classroom. As the result, it will be more manageable as a class
and students will be more disciplined and positive behaviour can be created directly or
indirectly.

Furthermore, Ms. Sabrina should be wise in an assertive role teachers will benefit
both teachers and students. Assertive teachers provide opportunities for teachers and
students to meet their needs as teachers and students have their rights in the classroom.
Ms. Sabrina can encourage collaboration and help students to apply the desired behaviour.
She can be expected to provide appropriate expectations on the behavior and abilities of
pupils. Ms. Sabrina must be reliable, fair, and can meet the needs of students. This can help
build a peaceful learning environment and support the development of students' learning.
Apart from that, Ms. Sabrina can use credit because credit should be used regularly
to enhance the self-concept and self-esteem of students. Credit seen referring to special
attention given by teachers when students demonstrate the desired behaviour. By this way,
Ms. Sabrina seen as a boost to the desired behavior and can build a positive learning
environment. Ms. Sabrina can use many ways to give credit to students include
encouragement , appreciation of student behavior , give positive comments and keep a good
student behavior to parents.
Finally, Ms. Sabrina should make corrective actions or penalties that may be imposed
on students who interfere with the rights of other students to learn with ease. Corrective
action is not intended to be physically abused or psychology students even when corrective
action will cause discomfort pupils. Canter Assertive Discipline Model stressed the goal of
corrective actions can give fairness to all and the action is to be consistent. When the
corrective action be applied to the students, they should be informed that due to the
behaviour shown by them against with the regulations, then corrective action must be

implemented. Next, Sabrina need to design and implement discipline management plan in
order to explain the rules in details.
In a nutshell, teacher need to implement discipline management plans for dealing
discipline problem in classroom.