JUSTICE SYSTEM

Deardorff, P.A., Ficke, S.L., Hart, K.J. The Performance of Incarcerated Juveniles on the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT-CA). 2006. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 360 – 373. This study examines the performance of 247 juveniles on the MacCAT-CA test, in addition to a myriad of other variables. The purpose of the study was to compare and contrast how the scores of juveniles who were in the court appointed systems and those who weren’t, for the overall sake of illuminating how deficient the court system was/is. The other variables were measured for the sake of determining achievement and intelligence levels as well as obtaining psychoanalysis of the juveniles. This study offers valuable insight into how the process of justice is in many instances anything but just.

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Learning Theories

Two of the seven theories I would address outline the major key elements to developing a successful learning environment.  Constructivism and Behaviorism theory would enhance the student and teacher relationship.  Teachers that utilize these two methods find a more engaging and positive learning environment.

Constructivism

I do believe constructivism theory is a wonder tool that allows teachers to encourage their students to use their knowledge from previous courses.  Therefore, students are successful with using this theory because it gives confidence and prompts student and instructor interaction.

One of the examples I can give would be my BA degree in Criminal Justice. There were several of the major courses that give me preexisting conceptions that assisted me with any additional courses.  It was very helpful in communicating my experiences and engaging with my professors.

Behaviorism Theory

This theory is a very complex learning tool, which is unfittingly taught in many classrooms.  It has positive and negative effects on student’s performance within the classroom and online setting.  The negative effect to behaviorism theory is like a person having tunnel vision; everyone that drives the same route everyday does not always forget how he or she got home.  Therefore, most students need day-by-day reinforcement. The positive would give rewarding the students who does not need the instructor to give everyday detail instruction in order to complete class assignment.