Behaviorism is still being used in today’s classroom with behavior management and students’ use of technology. Think about it, B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning can be seen every day in a classroom when teachers reinforce both positive and negative behavior. The use of technology as a primary mechanism for learning is also part of the behaviorist theory of learning.
So, how are homework, practice and reinforcing effort represented through a behaviorists approach to education and what does this have to do with technology?
Homework and Practice
Homework provides multiple exposures to information that gives students chances to broaden their knowledge of content. Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency on any given subject. Technology is providing a wealth of resources for learning outside of the classroom. Most families today have a computer at home connected to the internet where information about anything is at the click of a button. Technological advances in communication are also allowing teachers and students to collaborate at a higher level with text messages, instant messages and email. It is easy to see how technology is fueling the fundamental behaviorist principal of “drill and practice”. One of my classes has an online course companion where students can play vocabulary games, work puzzles, read articles and watch videos to supplement their learning inside and outside of class.
Reinforcing Effort
The relationship between effort and achieving is a concept I constantly drill into my students. Often I am telling class that this is an effort grade in the hopes of getting them to do their best. Recognizing effort and excellence through technology is giving visibility to achievement for everyone to see. If you access my schools website, the first thing you see is the student of the month. Our Broadcast Video class showcases the morning announcements along with any significant contribution going on at school. These are great incentives for students to be successful and make contributions.
Conclusions
Behaviorist James Hartley identifies repetition as necessary for learning to take place and the use of technology is giving students chances to frequently practice now more so than ever. He also subscribes to learners being active and not passive and the internet gives all students a chance to take their own initiative into learning. I provide online tutorials on my teacher web page that students can access for all of my classes. Finally, Hartley talks about reinforcement being the cardinal motivator. Using technology to showcase exceptional students is a wonderful incentive for students to get out there and be somebody.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
The Behaviourist Orientation to Learning located at http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
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"Most families today have a computer at home connected to the internet..." I agree that many families are fortunate to have the luxury of internet at home. However, I wonder if we are blinded by the school systems we are teaching in, in thinking that most families have this luxury. I wonder--do you think most families have internet in our society today, or are we simply surrounded by a majority that do in our own lives?
ReplyDeleteI really like how your school encourages students to shine by having the incentive of being spotlighted on your school news! I am going to suggest that to our news team. Thank you for the idea!
Hi Coach,
ReplyDeleteYou can use can create forms using Google docs spreadsheet to imbed to your school page. You can decided what you want your students to track, and they go to a computer and enter their information.
As an example, my band students had a concert Tuesday. Each student went to the form I had attached to the webpage where they assessed how they would rate their personal performance. 1 was poor and 5 was awesome. They just had to click a few buttons, type one paragraph about how musically they had played and were done. You could track heart rate after workout, etc and share the weeks work with them.
Maybe I am blinded on thinking most families have computers with internet access or have means of connection from friends, neighbors or the community library. In a perfect world all schools would be able to issue computers for students to take home for learning.
ReplyDeleteKids without computers and connectivity at home are definitely at a disadvantage when it comes to learning at home.
I like how you provide your students with opportunities to practice skills with computer games. I really like the idea of providing students the opportunity to help themselves through the use of online tutorials. However, I wonder, what if your students don't have internet access? Do you have a paper copy of the tutorials? Having a paper copy for students without computers would allow them the same opportunity as those with computers.
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