Assignment 501 Task B
Assignment 501 Task B
Another popular theory is that of Jacob Kounin (1912-1995) which talks about
preventative discipline. He says that teaching and discipline need to be
integrated and well managed. His key ideas include the ripple effect,
withitness, overlapping, effective transitions, group focus and satiation. Ripple
effect helps in discipline by asking a student to do something and others will
follow suit. If one is punished, others will see it and not do same. In the same
vein, if one is praised for doing something, others will try and copy to also be
recognised. Witthitness talks about teacher awareness as to whatever goes
on in the classroom. This is done by scanning the classroom by observing,
eye contact, being alert to sights and sounds, moving around and seating plan
with everyone in sight. Do not let the misbehaviour escalate before action is
taken so the teacher sees one off task, he needs to take action to send a
clear message to the whole class.
With Burrhus F. Skinner’s and Jacob Kounin’s theory in mind, I will make sure
there are mutually agreed ground rules set by the students and myself. With
their involvement in this process, it will make easier for compliance as they
already know the consequences if not complied with. Will be reminding them
regularly of these rules to reduce inappropriate behaviour. Praises, stickers,
certificates will also be given to students as rewards for displaying correct
behaviour, which then increases the likelihood of it being repeated as it
trickles down to other students. The reward and consequence system will help
my students to abide by rules to ensure orderliness and create a good
learning environment. Rewards like special treats, stickers and certificates for
doing and bringing in homework on time, doing neat work, being helpful and
contributing in a positive way to lessons. Punishment such as taking away
privileges, detention and exclusion as laid out in the school disciplinary policy
will be given for being disruptive, not meeting deadlines and being rude.
In doing all these, I will make sure there is enough lighting, ventilation, heating
and all health and safety measures complied with, for my learners to feel safe
and comfortable in the environment in which they find themselves. Will
consider the special needs of all learners and its effect on their behaviours.
Will use various forms of presentation to cater to their various needs so none
will feel left out and get frustrated. Will be flexible in my teaching with the use
of visual, auditory, read and write and kinaesthetic activities to bring variety in
the class.
Another area that I will also focus on is keeping them engaged with meet and
greet at the door, more group works, eye contacts to check them and a
seating plan based on their needs. In keeping eye contact, will be able to see
those doing the right things and praises given accordingly and also, those
doing bad things warned and reprimanded as such.
References