The
behaviorist learning theory stems upon three concepts: operant conditioning, programmed instruction,
and behavior management. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010)
While researching this topic, I found quite a few correlations between
this learning theory and the instructional strategies described in this week
resource, Using Technology with Classroom
Instruction that Works.
Operant
conditioning is based upon the research done by BF Skinner where he describes children
receiving rewards and punishments depending on their behavior. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010) “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, H., Hubbell,
E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)
Creating spreadsheets to allow students to be able to correlate the
effort they are putting into classroom success and their outcome according to
their quiz and test grades allows them to be able to see if they are rewarded
with good grades or punished with poor grades.
I see a huge benefit in this because not only does it allow the students
to see where they need to change their habits, but that information could also
be passed along to parents who are concerned with the children’s classroom
success.
As
far as programmed instruction, this relates to the drill and practice that a
lot of educators use in the classroom today.
This also refers to students being able to receive immediate feedback
which is the key principle of a behaviorist theory. “Having students practice a skill or concept
enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency. (Pitler, H., Hubbell,
E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)
This is obtained by using the many educational games that are available
online for students as described in the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction
that Works. While the
students play the games, they are practicing certain concepts and find out
right away if they are obtaining the correct answers. I enjoyed learning about the online BattleGraph
game that is available. I currently use
something similar to this in class when teaching about coordinates but now I
have learned something new that will be more interactive for my students to
enjoy playing. A number of my students
will also enjoy learning how to use online
flashcards as well.
The
behaviorist learning theory has quite a few instructional strategies that I use
in my classroom on a daily basis. There
are many technology related activities that I am learning to incorporate into
my classroom that deals a lot with this learning theory. As much as I believe this theory is essential
in the classroom today, there are many other things that contribute to the
learning of students. I look forward to
learning about the different theories and how I can incorporate new strategies
into my classroom for the benefit of my students and myself.
Resources
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Behaviorist
Learning Theory [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com
Hi Nichole,
ReplyDeleteIn today's classrooms, teachers are made to feel as though there is no place for the benefits of drill and skill type practice from computer software, which is what we have been taught to use with students. Many school districts invest quite a bit of money into purchasing software to meets these needs. We all realize the importance of independent practice and immediate feedback in order for students to gain proficiency or mastery of concepts, before they can apply them to higher thinking and learning concepts. "Typically, students need about 24 practice sessions with a skill in order to achieve 80-percent competency (Marzano et al., 2001, p. 67)" (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007).
I also found the information on the idea of PowerPoint games and Battlegraph very interesting. However, this concept would be too challenging for my kindergarten students. I will have to do a little research to see if this idea can be applied for younger students to practice necessaary concepts as well. Because I teach young students, who need to learn all of the basics, skill and drill, modeling, and behaviorist learning is fairly dominant in my classroom and teaching.
I definitely liked the recommendation for online flashcards that we can customize for our students. Learning high frequency words is essential in kindergarten, and I plan on incorporating this Web Site into my homework tools for students.
Lisa LeBlanc
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
I do have to admit that in my school district there is not much talk about switching away from this drill and kill practice which makes it hard because a lot of what I have been learning in this masters program is moving away from that direction and incorporating more projects and hands on activities. It is just going to take some time and collaboration among my collegues in order for our teaching methods to change.
ReplyDeleteNichole,
ReplyDeleteI sense that you feel guilty about skill practice,and I'm not surprised. I think the profession itself does a very good job of putting down this type of practice, but as we read in this week's resources, it is a necessary evil. Students need repeated opportunity to practice in order to be successful. We need to realize there is a place for more challenging projects, but also, there needs to be time for students to practice isolated skills as well. Research supports this need, and we shouldn't be made to feel as though we are failing as teachers when we provide what is supported in theory, and it is what our students need!
Lisa LeBlanc