Meek, shuffling, soft-spoken Dr. Frayman was lecturing on learning theory yesterday when he chose to offer a personal anecdote related to the material. This in itself was surprising, since he usually sticks to the text of vague overheads displayed on a rusting projector.
As an example of the concept that one behavior can reinforce another behavior, Frayman described how he motivates himself to grade papers. After grading three papers, he said, he allows himself to listen to two songs on the stereo in his office.
"Of course," he added, "when I'm at home, I reward myself with a shot of Jack Daniels."
The only downside to this reinforcer is that he has to go back and correct papers he graded after the second or third shot.
Frayman wrinkled his brow thoughtfully. "I think I have a notice in my file somewhere stating that I'm not allowed to use this grading method on campus.
"Something about role-modeling."
But role-modeling is a form of observational learning, and that would be an entirely different lecture.
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2 comments:
LOL...
Nice. I like him. :)
I used a similar motivational strategy for grading papers, only it involved wine, not whiskey. The question to ask him is if he shuffles the papers randomly before starting the process so that every student gets a chance at having their paper toward the bottom of the pile. Somehow, this motivational method produces higher scores toward the bottom of the pile.
Hmmm ...
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