In looking at the behavorist theory in the classroom this week, we connected it to two practices; Homework and Practice and Reinforcing Effort.
Reinforcing Effort strategy ehances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning (Pitler, Hubbel, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 155). In order to do this teachers must explicityly teach students about the importance of effort since some students do not realize the connection between effort and success (Pitler, Hubbel, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 155-156). Students should also keep track of their effort and achievement, this will allow students to recognize the connection between effort and success (Pitler, Hubbel, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 155-156). The motivator or reinforcer then becomes the success.
Homework and Practice give students a chance to review and apply what they have learned (Pitler, Hubbel, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 187). Through homework, students are able to practice material taught in class. This practice will lead to moe success in the classroom, thus becoming a positive reinforcer. However, the lack of practice or not doing the homework can yield negative reinforcement.
Some great websites were given in our book for students to practice at home. Many of these websites such as iknowthat.com fit the behavorist model by reinforcing the correct answer with applause. If students chose the incorrect answer, they are redirected to a similar problem to practice again.
The pendulum may have swung away from behaviorism however, many programs and behavior management systems are designed around this theory.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Using the web sites and other material mentioned in the textbook, Using Technology with Classroom Instructions that Works, is a great example of the programmed instruction strategy in the behavior learning theory. Not only do the students, “Learn from multimedia such as educational games and interactive simulations, students can learn with multimedia by creating their own projects at home or at school to develop their understanding and practice skill” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 194). This gives teachers the ability to use different teaching methods in order to meet the diverse students. Using the homework and practice strategy in your classroom could be a good reinforcement for students and teachers. Most students enjoy using technology instead of paper and pencil and teachers get quicker feedback and data reports. One big thing about this is what about the students that do not have access to this type of work at home? Do you make sure all homework and practice is done at school or do you find another source of homework for the students that do not have access? When we decide on how we want to use it, I think the behaviorist theory can be a good reinforcement to all.
ReplyDeletePitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M. & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
If I give an internet activity to do at home, I make it optional. For example, if our class is doing a book report, they may write it or type it. I try to squeeze in projects that fit with what we are learning, and if students do not have computer access at home, they are welcome to do them in class and during recess.
ReplyDeleteWe are not to the point that we can require computer homework in our area yet, but I belive it is coming.
Kelly you discussed using homework and practice as a technique for reinforcement if the students do it, and then talked about how it would be a negative reinforcer if the students don't to their homework. I completely agree with you, but I have a few repeat affenders who consistently don't do their homework, but yet I know how smart they are. Do you have any recommendations on ideas to either motivate them to do their homework or give them an alternate assignment?
ReplyDeleteWhen the time arrives, being able to have computer homework will enrich education for students as well as teachers.
ReplyDeleteKelly-
ReplyDeleteThat is what I love about technology and homework. We can use time in school to show our students the skill reinforcement web site and most of them will seek it out at home on their own. Most students want to do well and please their teachers. Having the ability to use a web site to reinforce what you are teaching is so much fun for our students.
Kelly-
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of using reinforcing effort in the classroom because it can lead to and is directly related to success. Many times, I will only grade some assignment on effort. This may sound strange to many teachers, but it works in my classroom. I have many students at the high school level who are naturally smart and do well is school so their effort level is low. Then I have some students who have to give more effort to get good grades. I am sure this is true with a variety of classrooms, but I feel that reinforcing effort is a great example of behaviorist theory in action. Have you ever graded on effort in your classroom or know of a teacher that sometimes does. In my high school, this is a common practice, as effort is directly related to success when it comes to real life!
Brianna
Katie V, I teach 3rd grade and I have some repeat offenders as well. Sometimes I will ask the class to stand up if they did their homework, then I will give them a treat. It may be a piece of candy, gum, or even a few minutes of free time. This will work sometimes, especially if I keep it totally random. I am like you, always searching for ways to motivate students to do what they need to do in order to succeed.
ReplyDeleteBrianna, I have never thought about grading on effort.
ReplyDeleteThis may be a great thing to do in order to motivate students to do their homework.
Thank you for the suggestion!