I do believe behaviorism is still very useful in the classroom and it used quite a bit along with other theories as well. Dr. Michael Orey said it is a powerful strategy for managing behavior (Laureate Education, Inc. 2011). I do agree with this statement because for the most part if we ignore unwanted behaviors in the classroom the behavior will stop. Things we call pleasant have an energizing or strengthening effect on our behavior (Skinner, 1972 p.74) and I see a student being rewarded for the effort put into an assignment or a project as be pleasant and positive. There are a number of ways to provide students with positive reinforcement which will bring about that operant conditioning Dr. Orey talked about in the video.
As I stated before in the discussion board, students have a tendency to try hard to please people they like and to gain their approval so if they learn to value and appreciate how effort will help them to gain knowledge and achieve success they will be more apt to put forth that effort. The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007 p. 155).
The instructional strategy of homework and practice is just drill and practice and we know students need to practice what they are introduced to in the class earlier during the day. The more times they see or hear something the better chance they have of remembering it. I do not believe students should be given an overabundance of homework just a few problems to reinforce the days math lesson or whatever lesson being taught. With all of the technology available, students have the ability to work with friends and collaborate together on the homework. The whole idea of homework is to improve skills and master concepts (2007 p.190).
As I stated previously, I know there is a place for the behaviorist theory it is just that technology has taken it to another level but the theory is still being used and will continue to be a part of the classroom.
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.
Skinner, B. (1972). Utopia through the control of human behavior. In John Martin Rich. ed., Readings in the Philosophy of Education. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Smith, K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
Standridge, M.. (2002). Behaviorism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <1/11/2012>, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
I have listed a link of a youtube video I found interesting on behaviorism as I was going through the research for this blog as well as one of the sites I used for some of my research.
http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Behaviorism
I especially liked your comments about homework--you're right that it's equally important to provide students with practice activities and not to overload them.
ReplyDeleteI also though the point about students working harder for teachers that they like and make a personal connection with was a good insight--I think that's a huge factor, and it rarely gets talked about. Nice post!
--Susan Lavrey
you are correct it rarely gets mentioned that students will work harder for teachers they like and make a personal connection with because I have it happening every day in my class with my students. Some of the students other teachers write off as do nothings will come in my class and work hard. Students know when the teacher is genuine and when he or she is not. It is very important for us as teachers to make sure we are real with our students and to not give busy work or just go through the motions we must have expectations for our students at all times.
DeleteI, like Susan, appreciated your comment about how students work harder for teachers taht they like. This is a great example of how positive reinforcement motivates students to do well.
ReplyDelete---T.J.
We spend a great deal of time with these students and a relationship is there rather we like it or not why not make it a positive relationship and an environment where they want to learn. Students know when you are genuine and they know if you are just going through the motion.
DeleteWell said. I wish all teachers felt this way.
Delete---T.J.
Your analysis of the student-teacher relationship is accurate. A Student is more motivated to work hard for a teacher when that teacher establishes a positive relationship with the student. Homework and practice help students demonstrate their understanding of content. Technology can be very helpful in creating opportunities for homework and practice that students enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYes,technology can be helpful in creating homework opportunities and since they are on the computers anyway why not make it work for everyone involved. We must expect something from our students and show them we care at the same time.
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