I recently read “Don’t Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training” by Karen Pryor, I am thrilled to share my experiences and insights, and how the book’s teachings can be applied to your school and teaching system. Karen Pryor is a well-known behavioral psychologist and her book offers valuable strategies for improving student behavior and fostering a positive learning environment, which I believe can transform our approach to education.
The Ineffectiveness of Punishment
One of the most profound lessons from the book is the ineffectiveness of punishment as a strategy for getting rid of unwanted behavior. Punishment, while still popular, often has negligible long-term effects on behavior. In our schools, when a student makes a mistake and is penalized, it does not necessarily imply that the behavior will stop. More often than not, the student fails to understand the reason behind the punishment, leading to repeated misbehavior.
A student is punished for not completing homework. The immediate effect might be fear and compliance, but this does not address the root cause of the issue—be it lack of understanding, time management skills, or personal challenges at home. As a result, the same problem recurs.
Common Scenario in Indian Schools
Reinforcement Over Punishment
Reinforcement, on the other hand, is a powerful tool that can be used to encourage desirable behavior. Reinforcement can be positive or negative, and both types have their place in the classroom.
Positive Reinforcement: This involves rewarding a student for displaying the desired behavior, thereby increasing the likelihood of the behavior being repeated. For instance, praising a student for submitting homework on time or giving a small reward for good attendance can motivate other students to follow suit.
Negative Reinforcement: This is not punishment but the removal of an unpleasant stimulus when the desired behavior occurs. For example, exempting a student from a tedious task if they consistently perform well academically can serve as motivation.
Application in Indian Classrooms
Example: Implementing a reward system for good behavior can be highly effective. Simple rewards like stickers, extra playtime, or a “star of the week”, or a "student of the week" recognition can significantly boost student morale and encourage positive behavior.
Example: Teachers can use positive reinforcement during lessons. For instance, if a student correctly answers a difficult question, acknowledging their effort and correctness can encourage not only that student but also others to participate actively.
Timing of Reinforcement
The timing of reinforcement is crucial. Immediate reinforcement helps students make the connection between their behavior and the reward. In Indian schools, where classrooms are often large and teachers are stretched thin, finding the time to immediately reinforce behavior can be challenging but is necessary for effective behavior management.
Example: If a student answers a question correctly, acknowledging this immediately with verbal praise or a high-five reinforces the behavior effectively. Delaying this acknowledgment reduces its impact.
Shaping Behavior Through Reinforcement
Karen Pryor introduces the concept of shaping behavior, which involves reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior. This method can be particularly useful in a classroom setting where students are learning new skills.
Example: When teaching a complex concept, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Reinforce each step as students master it. For instance, in a math class, if the goal is to solve algebraic equations, start by reinforcing the ability to identify variables, then move on to simple equations, gradually increasing complexity.
Conditioned Reinforcers
Conditioned reinforcers, such as tokens or points that can be exchanged for a reward, can be very effective in schools. They help maintain motivation over longer periods.
Example: Introduce a point system where students earn points for good behavior, participation, and academic performance. These points can be accumulated and exchanged for rewards like extra recess time, a homework pass, or a small gift. This system keeps students motivated and engaged.
Shaping and Targeting
The book discusses techniques like shaping and targeting to teach new behaviors. These techniques can be adapted to classroom teaching to help students acquire new skills.
Targeting: This technique involves guiding a student to touch a target, metaphorically speaking, such as mastering a particular skill. In the classroom, this could mean setting clear, achievable goals for students.
Example: In a science class, if the goal is to complete a lab experiment correctly, break down the experiment into smaller tasks. Guide students through each step, providing reinforcement as they achieve each mini-goal. This helps them stay focused and motivated.
Mimicry and Modeling
Mimicry and modeling are natural learning processes where students learn by observing others. Teachers can use these techniques to encourage positive behavior and academic skills.
Example: Pairing students in a “buddy system” where a more skilled student helps a less skilled one can be beneficial. The less skilled student can learn by observing and mimicking their peer’s actions.
Establishing Signals
Establishing signals to reinforce behavior is another powerful tool. Signals can be verbal cues, gestures, or visual aids that help students understand when they are on the right track.
Example: Use hand signals to indicate different classroom activities or to get students’ attention. A specific hand signal can be used to indicate that it’s time to be quiet and listen, while another can signal that it’s time to participate or ask questions.
Rules of Shaping
The book outlines rules for shaping behavior, which are highly applicable to the classroom environment. These rules help create a structured and predictable learning environment, which is particularly beneficial in managing large classes.
1. Specific and Attainable Demands: Make your expectations clear and achievable.
Example: Asking students to read one chapter of a book per week is more attainable than expecting them to read an entire book.
2. One Element at a Time: Focus on one aspect of behavior or learning at a time. This prevents students from feeling overwhelmed.
3. Gradual Increase in Complexity: As students master one skill, gradually increase the difficulty. This keeps them challenged without causing frustration.
4. Consistent Reinforcement: Be consistent with reinforcement to help students understand what is expected of them.
5. Flexibility: Be willing to adjust your approach if a particular method isn’t working. What works for one student might not work for another.
6. Detailed Planning: Plan your reinforcement strategy carefully. Know what behaviors you want to reinforce and how you will do it.
7. Avoiding Mixed Signals: Ensure that all teachers and staff are on the same page regarding reinforcement strategies to avoid confusion.
Methods to Eliminate Unwanted Behavior
Karen Pryor outlines several methods to eliminate unwanted behavior, which can be adapted to our school settings.
1. Shoot the Dog: This extreme method involves completely eliminating the source of the behavior. In a school context, this could mean removing a disruptive student from a particular activity or environment. However, this should be a last resort as it does not teach the student how to improve their behavior.
2. Punishment: While commonly used, punishment is often ineffective in the long term. It does not teach the student alternative, positive behaviors.
3. Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant stimulus when the desired behavior occurs.
Example: Reduce the homework for your class if all students behave well throughout the day.
4. Extinction: Removing the reinforcement that maintains the unwanted behavior. For instance, ignoring minor disruptive behavior rather than giving it attention can sometimes lead to its reduction.
5. Putting the Behavior on Cue: Attaching a signal to the unwanted behavior and then removing the signal to prevent the behavior.
Example: Use a visual cue to indicate when talking is allowed and remove it when silence is required.
6. Shaping the Absence: Reinforcing the absence of unwanted behavior.
Example: Praise a student for not interrupting the class, this can encourage them to continue this behavior.
7. Changing the Motivation: Understanding and addressing the reasons behind unwanted behavior. If a student is disruptive because they find the material too easy, providing more challenging work can change their behavior.
Reinforcement and Student Motivation
Lack of reinforcement can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration in students. Effective reinforcement strategies help maintain motivation and encourage a positive learning environment.
Focus and Dedication: Encourage students to stay focused and dedicated by setting clear goals and providing timely reinforcement.
Timely Incentives: Use timely incentives to reinforce positive behavior. For example, recognizing a student’s effort immediately after they complete a difficult task reinforces the behavior effectively.
Conclusion
“Don’t Shoot the Dog!” offers valuable insights that can be adapted to your teaching to improve student behavior and create a positive learning environment. As educators, it is our responsibility to use these strategies to help our students succeed.
Try This in Your Classroom
- Reward System: Implement a simple reward system to reinforce positive behavior and academic achievements.
- Immediate Feedback: Provide immediate feedback to students to help them understand the connection between their actions and the reinforcement.
- Set Clear Goals: Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps and reinforce each step to help students stay motivated.
- Use Conditioned Reinforcers: Introduce a point or token system that students can exchange for rewards, keeping them engaged over the long term.
- Buddy System: Pair students to encourage peer learning and mimicry.
- Visual Cues: Use hand signals or visual aids to communicate expectations and reinforce behavior.
- Flexibility: Be flexible and willing to adjust your strategies based on what works best for your students.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and it is quite relevant to the things that need to be updated in our teaching methods, as per the New Education Policy. If you want to know more about the book yourself then this is the link.
Comments
74 responses to “Revolutionize Your Classroom: Transformative Insights from ‘Don’t Shoot the Dog!’ by Karen Pryor”
Excellent guidelines . Punishment is the most ineffective method of reforming.
True! Hope it gets implemented in most Indian schools.
Marvelous Article…one of the wonderful way to change today’s class room scenario…
Thank you so much! I’m delighted to hear that you found the article helpful for transforming today’s classroom environment.
Wonderful book indeed with great teaching that punishment is not the solution
There are various other ways of positive reinforcement
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the book’s teachings on positive reinforcement. It truly offers valuable alternatives to punishment for effective classroom management.
Amazing article….this is what how it should be..it is not a herculean task ..we just need to make it a part of our curriculum transaction.Let the child be the centre for the transaction of teaching and learning process.
Thanks for supporting this approach!
Very interesting and nice strategies for the class control.
Thanks for your kind words!
Much needed in present classroom scenario. The practices if applied in classroom, will give nice results.
Totally agree with you. It just needs to be implemented.
Much needed article regarding handling student’s behavior in classroom.Really useful content.
Thank you! I’m pleased to hear that you found the article useful for managing student behavior. Your feedback is much appreciated!
Really appreciable…one of the best way to understand today’s classroom methodology..
Thank you! I’m glad you found the article helpful in understanding modern classroom methodologies.
Very much simple , concrete and useful content it is.
Thank you!
Excellent approach towards modern education system
Really lot of things to learn
Thank you so much Maam
Regards
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you found the article insightful. It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm for modern education techniques. Regards!
It was a really nice article. The fact that I agree with the most is that punishment doesn’t really help with anything. I hope these reinforcement techniques are practiced in the classrooms
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the article and found the points about punishment and reinforcement valuable. I also hope these techniques are widely adopted to create a more positive learning environment in our classrooms.
Very nice….should be implement in the classes… but with full honesty
Thank you! I agree, implementing these strategies with full commitment can truly make a positive difference in our classrooms.
I wish each every teacher reads this article.
Reading this article has been a great learning experience.If we follow these guidelines we will be able to establish emotional and social security in our classes.
Thank you! I’m thrilled to hear that the article resonated with you. Implementing these guidelines can indeed help create a more emotionally and socially secure classroom environment.
I also totally agreed the methodology of child psychology, they are the best learner with strong reflexes, Veena ji I am observing you during Unison days and as a big SPIC MACAY supporter you very well know even music and dance make the child calm and patience, freedom of doing work is the best in growth.
Loved it 🥰
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad to hear you agree with the child psychology methodologies. Indeed, integrating music, dance, and allowing freedom in their work can significantly contribute to their growth and development. It’s wonderful to reflect on the impact these approaches can have.
These are highly appreciable as well as useful strategies that our Indian Schools need during the Academic session. Teachers need to adapt and adopt these practices in their classrooms for the smooth conduction.
Thank you for your kind words! I’m pleased that you find these strategies useful for our schools. Adapting and adopting these practices can indeed make a significant difference in the smooth conduction of classroom activities.
Over here, excellent startegies have been given to handle students properly.
Thank you! I’m glad you found the strategies helpful for handling students effectively.
Valuable and appreciable strategies for teachers as well as for learners
Thank you! I’m glad you find the strategies valuable for both teachers and learners.
valuable and applicable strategies for teachers as well as for learners
Thank you! I’m glad you find the strategies valuable for both teachers and learners.
Very interesting and nice strategies for the classroom control.
Thank you! I’m happy to hear you found the strategies interesting and useful for classroom control.
Absolutely agree with u sir … Try this findings are very good sources for students Really appreciable ..
Thank you for your support! I’m glad you found the examples valuable for students.
Marvelous Article…one of the wonderful way to change today’s class room scenario…
Thank you so much! I’m delighted to hear that you found the article helpful for transforming today’s classroom environment.
Positive reinforcement ( instead of punishment) to students to check behavioural issues and enhance academic progress is the current trend.
This article has lucidly explained all the possibilities that teachers can explore.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad the article clearly explained the benefits of positive reinforcement and provided useful strategies for teachers.
Thanks for writing this
Sapna Agrawal
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
This is the need of the hour.We educators are preparing students for the unseen future that lies ahead.Must prepare them for the global platform.And for that they need to be groomed as happy and balanced individuals first.
Thank you for your insightful comment! I completely agree—preparing students for a future we can’t fully predict requires focusing on their well-being and balance. Happy and balanced individuals are indeed better equipped to succeed on a global platform.
Its really good and useful content. Buddy system and reward points really needed and implement in class room. And always appreciate ward and their work. It’s will give good results in future.
Thank you! I’m glad you found the content useful. Implementing the buddy system and reward points in the classroom, along with appreciating students and their work, can indeed yield positive results in the future.
Hope it gets implemented to revolutionise and transform the present education system
Thank you! I share your hope that these strategies will be implemented to truly revolutionize and transform our current education system.
Punishment in schools has always been a topic of intense debate. The recommended examples, implemented at the right time, will definitely revolutionize positive disciplinary practices that respect children’s rights and foster a conducive learning environment.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I agree, implementing these recommended strategies at the right time can indeed revolutionize disciplinary practices, respecting children’s rights and fostering a positive learning environment.
Very informative and helpful
Thank you! I’m glad you found the content useful.
Very informative and knowledgeable .These recommended strategies when implemented then it creates positive learning environment which is very helpful for the students.
Thank you! I’m pleased to hear that you found the article informative. Implementing these strategies can indeed create a positive and helpful learning environment for students.
Thank you Veena Ma’am. As always you inspire many, it is an interesting insightful reading and the strategies offered are very much doable in class scenarios. Generally it’s the teacher who fails to adapt according to the needs of the student, although student is always ready to learn, the teacher should know how to motivate them and make the class effective…. And very beautifully you have suggested techniques to cater to these young learners . A few of techniques mentioned here , we have applied in our school and it’s working well.
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you found the strategies insightful and practical. It’s wonderful to hear that some of these techniques are already working well in your school. Indeed, adapting to students’ needs and finding ways to motivate them are crucial for effective teaching. I’m happy to have inspired you!
Yes, it’s true… That we have to know how to manage students according to their mind set..
Thank you! Understanding and managing students according to their mindset is indeed crucial for effective teaching and fostering a positive learning environment.
Really an excellent article every teacher must read it ,very helpful to change mind set of a student . great effort ma’am
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you found the article helpful. Changing mindsets is key to fostering a positive learning environment.
Effective and authentic practices to make learners ready for unseen future
Thank you! I’m glad you found the practices effective and authentic for preparing learners for the future.
You have explained it better.
Thank you! I’m pleased to hear that you found the explanation helpful.
Wow this article offers valuable insights. I really appreciate the transformative ideas.
Thank you! I’m glad you found the article insightful.
Interesting & valuable article
Thank you for your kind words!
Excellent 👍 Infact very helpful for teachers to practically implement these practices in class.
Thanks for sharing ma’am
Thank you for your kind words!