"The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students understandings of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning." (Pitler, 2007, pg.155) This statement made me really think about how my students view learning. I believe that if we continue to enhance their learning experience by molding behavior into positive learners who are willing to use methods necessary (such as technology and research) to find and develop skills which allow them to become successful people. It is important for students to understand the behaviors required to become successful. I believe that reinforcement, whether positive or negative, is necessary in order for students to perform and continue working towards the desired behaviors.
The idea of homework has greatly changed since the days of when we were in school. Homework is designed to be a continued effort and an extension of the classroom work. Pitler et al. (2007) observe how “technology facilitates homework and practice by providing a wealth of resources for learning outside the classroom, making it easy for students to work on collaborative homework assignments and providing ‘drill and practice’ resources that help students refine their skills” (p.189). The integration of technology into the students homework is a great way to continue enhancing the skills being worked in the classroom. Although, it is also hard for teachers to depend on this type of homework because many students do not have equal technology opportunities at home as if they were in an equal classroom. Because of this, I have been limited on the amount of technology being integrated into my students homework.
In the end, applying behaviorist theories to continue to mold behavior through reinforcement efforts and homework skills will allow us to have a more well rounded student experience. It is important for us, as teachers, to continue to adapt our instructional plans to help better meet the needs of our 21st century learners.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program four: Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Trevor says...
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
In reading your posting you make several key points that I am in agreement with. Behaviorism although an 'older' learning theory most definitely plays a part in the development of an effective learning environment by offering teachers another means of interacting with their students. With the integration of behavorist techniques if teachers are able to establish clear expectations with regards to behavior and then consciously work to reinforce the positives until they become 'habit ‘for students the likelihood of effective learning taking place is going to be substantially higher.
In your comments on the use of homework you highlight a very valid concern with the increased integration of technology in at-home assignments, namely the fact not everyone has the same level of access. The question then becomes do you reduce the level of beneficial technology required to increase access for a few or do you maintain the desired level of technology to the benefit of more students? This discrepancy in technology access is most definitely a balancing act that unfortunately plays out more often than would be desired.
Lastly your opening comment about "[b]ehaviorism is everyone" (Phenneger, 2011, January 11), what do you mean exactly? Are you saying that people are naturally motivated by positives, or that people are governed by their behavior? Just thought it was an interesting opening and wondered what your thoughts were in making it.
Trevor Henderson
Hi Nicole also,
ReplyDeleteI think your comments on behaviorism are right on the mark. As the saying goes, "the more things change, the more they stay the same". Using technology is a great tool to gain the interests of our students and make learning more relevant to today. But we also need to use the proven practices of encouraging our students, showing them that effort counts and providing positive reinforcement. Even if positive reinforcement and encouraging was not a powerful learning tool it would still be important. Governments and stats legislatures need to realize that we are all human beings, teachers and students, (yes teachers included) and that it is not all about test scores and data.
thank you for your post
please visit mine at http://mrparksmathmania.edublogs.org/
Scott Parks
ps, I really like the use of the BF Skinner quote. I had forgotten it. h
ReplyDeletethank you again
Scott Parks
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI agree students' homework should be an extention of the school day's exercises. I like your idea of having the students work together through the use of technology. Unfortunantally, most of the children in my school district do not have the means to accomplish this type of homework assignment. You made several good points in your blog, such as,behaviorism still being in place in most classrooms, and emphasing positive behavior creating a better classroom environment. I use the bahaviorist theory in my classroom almost every day. I find a little praise is worth more to children than a picec of candy or other type of reward.
Martha