The article had great points on both sides of the argument.  Mark Windschitl agreed that the schools should adopt a constructivist approach to learning even though it can be very challenging in some ways.  He pointed out that teaching in a constructivist classroom requires the teacher to be familiar with all the different subjects, and be prepared for students to explore different ways to design tasks or problem solve.  Some students may look at things mathematically and some students may look at the same task or problem scientifically.  This type of learning will probably require more time to finish a particular task, and unfortunately teachers are on a very tight schedule.  Assessing students in a constructivist classroom is different than assessing students in a regular classroom.  Teachers can assess students by having the students write in their journals, do research reports, physical models, debates, reader’s theater, or they could have the students do a portfolio.  A constructivist learning environment can be an effective way for kids to learn with a little time, effort, and teamwork.

            E.D. Hirsch, Jr. argues that kids learn better strictly as individuals in a structured classroom. In a structured classroom students are required to listen to lecture, be quiet, and work silently on their work individually.  He believes that if young children learn and explore on their own, they might not learn the things that are important.  I think that children should explore on their own, but the teacher should be going around the room to help students and ask or answer questions.

            As I have said before, I like the idea of have a constructivist classroom, but I think teachers need to be aware of the student’s individual needs.  I think it’s a good idea to have a good range of different ways for the students to learn, because of the different ways that students learn.  I feel that students should be allowed to explore different things on their own, but still have guidance from the teacher.  I believe that teachers need to find a good balance between having a constructivist classroom and a structured classroom, so that their students can enjoy learning and be comfortable in groups or individually.

Issue nine debates whether or not reinforcement facilitates learning.  Tashawna Duncan, Kristen Kemple, and Tina Smith believe that reinforcement is successful when applied in the classroom.  They argue that if a student has positive reinforcement they will change their behavior and become well behaved and respectful students.  On the other hand Charles Wolfgang argues that positive reinforcement will change their behavior, but only temporarily.  He believes that, in order to change a students’ negative behavior, the teacher needs to find the source of the child’s behavior so that their needs can be met individually.   Does reinforcement facilitate learning?  I think it can facilitate learning under certain circumstances, but sometimes teachers have to go beneath the surface of a child to find out why they are acting out in the classroom.

            I found that I agree with both sides of the argument to a certain extent.  I agree that students need positive reinforcement.  I think students like to hear how well they are doing or did something, whether it’s their work or jobs they are assigned to do in the classroom.  Praise makes them feel good and boosts up their self esteem.  I also think the activity and tangible reinforcers can help the students perform better in the classroom.  Students will want to strive to get extra recess or free-choice time, and they like getting stickers or prizes as a reward for positive behavior.  Reinforcers might help students behave in class temporarily, but they can help in a positive way for some students.  However, I still believe that certain reinforcers work for certain students.  On the other hand, I agree with Charles Wolfgang’s theory to change a students’ behavior in the classroom in a positive way.  I think teachers need to get to know their student’s families by making some home visits and inviting the parents to come into the classroom whenever they are available.  I also agree that teachers should make sure that their students transition from home into school mode as easily as possible to start the day.  We need to create a positive classroom community where everyone can feel comfortable.

            Both sides of the argument have very convincing points, and I think that teachers should try to find a happy balance between giving positive reinforcements to the students and getting to know the students from a developmentally appropriate perspective.  As I have said before reinforcements might not work for every student, and each student will respond differently to each reinforcer.  Some students might respond better to a social reinforcer while others might respond better to an activity or a tangible reinforcer.  As a teacher I will do my best to find a good balance to create a good positive atmosphere for my students.  Bottom line, teachers must know their students needs according to their levels of learning, their cultural backgrounds, and their personality so that there is equilibrium established in the classroom.