Tag: Locati

Alex Locati

The Danger of Difference and How Teachers Can Cultivate Success

Teaching is historically a profession dominated by white, middle-class, women from rural towns. As the diversity of the United States population continues to increase, so does the need for teachers and educators to respond to and accommodate the learners of these different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds that appear in their classrooms. Currently, there is a gap in academic performance between different groups of students, and it is important that we address this issue. White, Black, Hispanic, boys, and girls should all have an equal opportunity for a quality education that prepares them for their future. Ignorance and avoidance of differences between teachers and students can cause issues and create a hindering learning environment where students are not able to receive the help they need. In the context of a student-centered learning environment, this research focuses on how teachers can use culturally responsive pedagogy to understand how to address the needs of all students in their classrooms, and in Oregon specifically. Through the culturally responsive practices of differentiation, meaningful relationship, and continuing education and training, teachers can learn how to best approach their student’s learning and consequently, serve the achievement gap in Oregon.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

Brian Mills

L203

3 – 3:30 PM

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Kaleb Anundi & Alex Locati

Positive Reinforcement using Token Economies

Token economies are a useful classroom tool to help shape student behavior with positive reinforcement. They allow for instant feedback on whether behavior is acceptable or not and can teach responsibility. There are both benefits and disadvantages to this type of classroom management strategy and in exploring the two sides, we will determine the effectiveness of this strategy. In a token economy, a teacher will incentivize students with a token, something not of value by itself, when they do something that is desired. Every time a student does something good, they get another token, and keep collecting them until they have enough to trade in for a prize or something that has value to them. This can provide a visual reminder of how well a student is behaving in class that day. Token economies have also been shown to teach responsibility because they are in charge of keeping track of their points or tokens. This type of conditioning could also do the opposite and reinforce behaviors like external motivation for rewards or students comparing themselves with their peers. Overall, when thoughtfully done, token economies can lead to students working and behaving intrinsically and not for the additional resources of rewards.

EDUC 330, Child Development

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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