Behaviorism is a learning theory that has been developed and modified by many theorists such as Skinner and Pavlov. Each originator of this theory based their ideas and modifications of the theory on the idea that everyone starts with a clean slate when they are born and over time we learn and grow through stimuli in the environment (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2011). The developers of this theory also determined that growth is observable through behavior and not through any mental process like other learning theories (Smith, 1999).
One instructional theory that can be adapted to behaviorism is reinforcing effort. Effort is sometimes overlooked by many students since it is not an immediate reinforcement situation. Effort, however, is key to learning and if we can find a way for it to be rewarded and encouraged, then students might see the relevance and importance of it. To find success in this strategy, a teacher needs to teach students the importance of effort and have the students track their effort (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Using technology to track the effort and achievements can paint a picture that is clear for the students and they can see how their effort is improving their achievement. By using technology to track progress, the teacher has an easy and quick method to track all students. In addition to its ease of use, many programs allow the user to quickly print graphs that can be easily interpreted and visually influence students.
If effort is reinforced and rewarded, then the students will continue to put forth the effort, just like other behaviors. If students do not see the relevance and connection between their effort and their success, then they are likely to not continue the behavior.
Another instructional theory that can be adapted to behaviorism theory is homework and practice. Homework provides multiple exposures to a concept and skill which is the basis behind developing new behaviors. If a student is exposed to the experiences, then they have the opportunity to learn a new skill, but the students need to see the purpose of the assignments they are given (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Many students see homework as just busy work, but if the teacher can help the students see the importance of it through clearly articulating it to the class, then the students are more likely to take the homework seriously. Not only do students need to see the importance of the assignment, they need to receive feedback in some fashion for the work they completed (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Since behaviorism is based on learning through exposures and reinforcement, it is easy to see how homework is connected to this theory.
References:
Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2011). Behaviorism at Learning-Theories.com. Retrieved
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Smith, K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal
education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
I can see that you have made some great connections this week. It is indeed very easy to see how the recognition of effort and homework/practice can be connected to behaviorism.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that we all struggle with students who see homework as busy work. I think that all teachers, myself included, could benefit from finding new ways to improve homework habits of our students. I am still struggling with two of my students on the completion of homework. I have yet to find a strategy that works to really make them buy into putting forth effort. Any suggestions? These are 4th graders.
It seems kind of silly now, but I never really thought of making the connection between effort and success for students so concrete before. We talk about effort all the time in school. We have motivational posters plastered everyone, stating it's 2% talent/skill and 98% effort, but I never thought of teaching it directly. The idea of graphing effort and success is one I will incorporate in my classroom next year. Such a simple, but ingenious idea.
ReplyDeleteI also found the area of reinforcing effort interesting. I'm finding more and more students need additional motivation to complete tasks. I did like the idea of using computer software to support this concept. As a second grade teacher, I would have to adapt the examples from the text, of course. However, I suspect the students would be stimulated by the visuals and appreciate their growth being tracked.
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