Early childhood teachers are usually clear of their work with children while they construct understandings of their world. However, when children behave in ways that upset us, we tend to do things to them, by delivering rewards and punishments. In other words, our practices for responding to children’s thoughtless behaviors are incompatible with our teaching practices and beliefs.
(Porter, 2016, p. 1)
You’re required to reflect on what behavior is and utilize one of the theories of behavior that you have been introduced to in the unit to date.
You’re also required to discuss different behaviors displayed by children in learning environments and formulate reasons using a learning behavioral theory, with examples where possible. Keep in mind there may be multiple contributing factors as to why different behaviors may occur. Then, you are also required to examine what policies and practices are appropriate to maintain positive learning environments. Policies refer to Belonging, being & becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Links to an external site.) (Department of Education and Training, 2019), or another relevant policy framework, e.g. the National Quality Standard (Links to an external site.) (ACECQA, n.d.).
In your essay you’ll need to:
• Consider the quote you have chosen and identify possible behaviors, teacher responses and other influences that are relevant to the quote
• consider young children’s behavior and formulate reasons why children behave in certain ways based on the theory you have chosen
• demonstrate an understanding of the various principles, policies and practices used to maintain a positive learning environment.
Choose one of the following learning behavior theories:
• humanist theory
• psychodynamic theory
• cognitive theory
• ecological theory
• sociocultural theory.
