Chapter 2: Building the Foundation

B.F. Skinner- Operant Conditioning or Behavioral Modification

Theory: Skinners theory of operant conditioning suggests that appropriate and immediate
reinforcements in the form of rewards strengthens the likelihood that appropriate behavior will
be repeated.
Pros:
Rewards strengthen the likelihood appropriate behaviors will reoccur throughout the classroom.
Cons:
This theory is not based on work inside a classroom, but rather in a scientific laboratory.
Therefore, this theory suggests punishment in the classroom is not an effective technique for
ratifying inappropriate behavior.
Rewards are not effective because they are an enticement rather than an internal motivation to
behave in a conducive manner.
The positive reward system requires reinforcement to make certain positive behaviors continue.
This theory does not take into account the melting pot of cultures and socioeconomic groups
represented in the classroom, and how rewards and competition may isolate some students.
Fritz Redl and William W. Wattenberg - Group Dynamics or Group Life in the Classroom
Theory: Group life management theory suggests that individual behaviors of students has
direct correlation on the entire classroom environment. Within a classroom, students assume
hierarchical roles that promote inappropriate behavior that spread throughout the classroom.
This theory advocates individualistic control, by teachers encouraging self control and providing
situational assistance to off task students, students can regain their positive behavior.
Pros:
This theory has the potential of promoting safe schools and a creating a positive classroom
environment if implemented correctly.

Cons: The instructional techniques of supporting self-control and situational assistance

implemented by teachers can be disrespectful and insulting to certain cultures. If the teacher is
not cognizant of appropriate management techniques for the group, issues may escalate into a
dangerous situation.

William Glasser- Choice Theory

Based on Glassers choice theory, he believed that students have five basic psychological
needs that must be met in order for them to demonstrate appropriate behaviors.

Pros: This theory considers students psychological needs and promotes positive change in
poor behaviors when close relationships are formed between the teacher and the student.
Cons: Premise focused on juvenile offenders rather than the typical problems that occur in a
classroom setting. Also, implementation of this theory can be offensive to some Asian students
who respect their elders opinions and views or those that assume submissive roles in their
culture.

Thomas Gordon- Discipline as Self-Control

Theory:Gordons theory suggests teachers need to be effective mangers of their classroom by
identifying problems that promote inappropriate behaviors and making changes to promote a
positive classroom environment. Also, teachers need to sensitive to students specific needs and
attentive to what students have to say.
Pros: As a result of the implementation of this theory, positive student-teacher relationships are
formed which create respect between the teacher and the student and a positive classroom
environment is created. If behavior issues occur it is not the teachers fault, but the sole
responsibility of the student to correct. This theory is not offensive to any culture or learning
disabled child.
Cons: Gordons theories are less effective when serious