R4

Quote: “Your task is to build up a character in your pupils; and a character, as I have so often said, consists in an organized set of habits of reaction. Now of what do such habits of reaction themselves consist? They consist of tendencies to act characteristically when certain ideas posses us, and to refrain characteristically when possessed by other ideas” (James, p. 90).   

Question: In reference to the above quote, since ‘an organized set of habits’ encompasses character, what are some habits that teachers should help to instill in students that will in return, ‘build up a character’?

Connection from personal experience: In regards to ethical behavior, William James stated, “To him who acts habitually under the notion of good he gives the name of freeman. See to it now, I beg you, that you make freeman of our pupils by habituating them to act, whenever, possible, under the notion of a good. Get them habitually to tell the truth, not so much through showing them the wickedness of lying as by arousing their enthusiasm for honor and veracity” (James, p. 94-95). This quote struck me as I thought about my career goal of becoming a School Psychologist and interventions that will be implemented for teachers to use on their students. William James, in a sense, indicates that teachers should reinforce positive behaviors so that students will become ‘habitually good’. My experience as a practicum student on site at two elementary schools is similar to this quote made by James. It is quite often that teachers will consult with the school psychologist about a behavioral intervention that will help to minimize the frequency/intensity of behaviors, such as being off-task. Teachers are often told to catch the student performing a pleasant behavior and provide him/her with a reward instead of scolding an unpleasant one. James makes it clear that the focal point need not be on the negative, but rather on something positive.  

Outside Connection: This quote also reminds me of the information that I am currently obtaining in my behavior management class. William James’ declaration to teachers about facilitating ‘good’ within the student reminds me of shaping behaviors. When shaping a behavior, the intention is to provide the student with feedback that will be a guide towards the desired behavior. In this case, James’ description of instructing students to get in the habit of doing ‘good’ is an illustration of shaping a behavior. Alongside of that, the previously stated quote about character building is also an example of shaping a behavior into a desired outcome.

Overall, after reflecting on the entire book, It strikes me that a lot of William James’ ideas can be traced to many popular theories in psychology, and the information that he provided over a hundred years ago is still very much applicable to modern day.