Behaviorism is a common practice found in many classrooms today. As Dr. Orey mentions, teachers have various means of managing behaviors in their classrooms. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010) When considering appropriate behaviors, positive reinforcement is essential. When faced with students who struggle with motivation or lack effort, Pitter, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenski (2007) suggest students track their effort and achievement through spreadsheet software. Such a method offers students immediate feedback. Students will be able to monitor their performance based on their actions. Thus, students who complete their work in a timely-manner will see a positive result to their spreadsheet scores. As a result, the integration of technology will encourage student’s efforts with their tasks. This concept demonstrates how students respond to positive reinforcement.
Another area of technology that correlates with behaviorism is through online tutorials or programmed instruction. As Dr. Orey explains, tutorials are often used for remediation with students and can result in a negative response (2010). Therefore, there seems to be a fine line with using tools, such as online tutorials. They should be used in moderation to avoid hindering a student’s passion for learning.
Similar to programmed instruction, which Orey discusses, Lever-Duffy and McDonald (2008) describe computer-based instruction (CAI) as once text-based, drill–and- practice software. With recent technological advances and increased digital native learners, CAI has become more visually stimulating and interactive. There are now more educational games and online references, which serve as resources rather than just tools for remediation. Such programs often support the operant conditioning model. Correct answers during a trivia game may be followed by a friendly and humorous animation.(Example of an interactive resource: Spelling City) As a result, the learner is stimulated to proceed on to the next question.
It is evident that several instructional practices do correlate with the behaviorist learning theory. Reinforcement is a very powerful tool. Additionally, technology plays a large role in behaviorism and should be considered when addressing the various needs and behaviors of learners.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program four. Behaviorist learning theory [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Meghan, When I read and then considered the spread sheet it occured to me that this would be good for older students but not for younger ones. I don't have much classroom experience with little ones, but it seems to me that young students wouldn't respond well to this...unless...and this just occured to me, something like stickers were used to note the tracking.
ReplyDeleteMeghan,
ReplyDeleteDo you think that the instructional practices that correlate with the behaviorist learning theory allow students to be active enough in their learning? Is reinforcement powerful enough to create a deep understanding of a concept? I do not believe so. I can see behaviorism being beneficial in classroom management but not so much for instruction of material.
Nancy, I agree that the spreadsheet technique seems much more appropriate for older students. Currently, I use the sticker charts on my student's desks. I imagine my students would enjoy charting their progress on a computer too, but I think I would need to be much more involved with that. Also, I would have to modify the layout of the spreadsheet or chart, so that it was age appropriate for my students (and appealing too).
ReplyDeleteChad, I see your point. I tend to see it more related to classroom management. Reinforcement certainly assists with maintaining the skills learned, but I don't think it stimulates student's higher level thinking necessarily. I suppose there is a time and place for everything.
Not only are these students exercising critical thinking skills that are most needed in the 21st Century, they are also incorporating mathematics in their thinking as well. Although I am not too familiar with these particular learning theories, I am willing to adjust.
ReplyDelete