Mr. Kessinger's class does not represent a community of learners as defined by the Constructivist theory. Robin tried to construct her knowledge in a fashion that suited her learning style but was sharply rebuked from doing so. Mr. Kessinger requires that all students learn by rote memorization and be prepared to regurgitate information on the spot. He doesn't seem interested in creating a community of learners, only a community of memorizers.
Mr. Kessinger uses presentation punishment when he takes Robin's concept map and tears it to shreds. In this way he presents an adverse stimulus to stop the undesired behavior. Students will see the punishment and remember not to use notes when answering questions in class. In this way, Robin has been classically conditioned to associate notes with teacher displeasure. This presentation punishment carried through to Robin's Psychology class when she feared the consequences for having notes in class.
Robin has paired having notes in class with displeasing the teacher and being labeled a cheater. Robin could not handle the punishment that she received in Mr. Kessinger's class and instead of receiving the same punishment in Ms. Yamashita's class, she runs to the restroom and cries not knowing how she is going to learn the information that she needs to know for her classes. She has misconceived Ms. Yamashita's removal of her notes because of prior experience.
Ms. Yamashita has begun the reinforcement process by asking for permission to copy her concept map for the rest of the class. By shaping Robin's success in the class around the use of her concept map, she will encourage Robin to continue using this method for studying. As Robin sees the benefits of using the map and success, she will be able to be individually accountable for her learning abilities.
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