Response Paper 4 - Coursework Example

Response paper 4 Response paper 4 Introduction Skinner argues that behavior that is reinforced tends to be repeated as reinforcement strengthens an individual to continue the behavior while behavior that is not reinforced tends to die out. A weakening of behavior causes this and makes an individual to lose interest in the behavior. People can be positively reinforced, thus modifying their behavior in different ways. Compliments encourage people to continue doing what they are appreciated for. Approval, encouragement, as well as affirmation also play a critical role in reinforcing positive behavior.

This shows that the words and actions used to compliment, encourage, or affirm people promote the continuity of their behavior. Therefore, the absence of such actions would deter the continuity of the positive behavior, or lower the capacity by which the actions are conducted. Impact of reinforcement on behaviorSkinner argues that reinforced behavior tends to be repeated as reinforcement strengthens an individual to continue the behavior (Skinner, 1938). In my childhood years, I did not enjoy participating in physical activities in school and at home with my peers.

My lifestyle that caregivers reinforced strengthened this behavior. I was brought up as an only child, and was never permitted to interact with other children. Consequently, I spent most of my time indoors, in front of the television set. This made me an introvert, and one who could not engage actively with peers. I loved loneliness, as I did not have any company to keep me socially active. Therefore, when I joined school, I preferred to be alone, instead of seeking the company of my mates as I had become conditioned to a private life.

However, things changed when I joined high school. My physical education teacher kept on encouraging me to participate in physical activities. He appreciated the slightest effort that I made, and affirmed me when I failed to perform as expected. These positive reinforcers helped me change my behavior from an antisocial being to a social being.Consequent to these, as I aspire to become a physical education teacher, I must learn how to reinforce positively the behavior of regular exercise in my students.

A substantial number of students do not enjoy engaging in physical activities. They prefer to sit back, and not exercise their bodies, due to a number of reasons. Some of them could be overweight, while others lack the skills to socialize with their peers, hence making them uncomfortable with exercises that require teamwork. More to these, others could lack the necessary skills involved, leading to a low self-esteem. Given the limitations that keep students from being actively engaged in physical activities, I intend to develop a habit of encouraging them to get involved in physical activities.

For those that do not possess the required skills, I look forward to encouraging them to learn, through investing their time to gaining the skills. In addition to these, I intend to encourage overweight students who prefer to sit back, instead of exercising their bodies. I shall develop an atmosphere that makes them comfortable during the physical activities, and encourage the fellow students to motivate them. The shy students and those that have difficulties interacting freely with others shall also be considered in the physical activities.

I look forward to introducing regular sessions that shall make it easy for students to interact freely, thus promoting their involvement in physical exercises. More to these, I do not expect to punish my students for failing in their physical activities. Skinner points out that punishment decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, making it a weak tool for making students enjoy physical activities.ConclusionThe environment we live in consists of factors that influence our behavior.

Some of these factors reinforce us to perform certain actions, and others compel us to avoid the actions. Following my passion for physical activities, I hope to encourage my students to participate in physical activities. I shall concentrate on cultivating factors that boost their morale to engage in such activities, and limit factors that can hinder their excellence in regular physical activities.ReferenceSkinner, B. F. (1938). The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis. New York: Appleton-Century.