Behaviorism in Practice

I have recently started a new class for my Masters program entitled Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Thus far the class has been interesting and has focused on some interesting information such as learning theories.

This week the topic at hand was behaviorism. Behaviorism is used in most classrooms in one way or another. In the learning resources this week, Michael Orey explained that a behaviorist theory of learning focuses on the different behaviors that children exhibit (Laureate Education Inc., 2011). Behaviorism in the classroom focuses on positive and negative behaviors that a teacher either wants to continue or discontinue. Orey described the two forms of behavior as desirable and undesirable.  In an educational setting, most teachers use behaviorism as a form of classroom management. As Orey mentions in the Behaviorist learning theory video, “behaviorism is a powerful strategy for managing behavior” (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).

One strategy that is tied to behaviorism was present in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Authors Pitler, Hubell, Kuhn, and Malenoski explain the instructional strategy reinforcing effort. As stated in the text, “reinforcing effort enhances student’s 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). This theory teaches children about the importance of effort. Using technology allows one use surveys, spreadsheets, rubrics etc. to provide teachers with data to encourage students to try harder. I have used Survey Monkey before with my students after the completion of an assignment. This was done more so to gain an understanding of what I could do better in to teacher the particular assignment, but after reading this chapter, I realize that it can be used to track student’s efforts too. Another form of tracking that I enjoyed reading about was the idea of tracking data in a spreadsheet to monitor their learning. Personally, this seems powerful because the children are showing ownership of their learning. Although I have not tried in the classroom year, I would definitely like to try it soon.

Another strategy researched this week was the use of homework and practice in the classroom. I know what this is still a strategy takes place within our own education settings. As Pitler, Hubell, Kuhn, and Malenoski mention in this week’s text, “Homework and practice gives students a chance to review and apply that they have taught (Pitler et al., 2007). This strategy is used by many teachers as a way to allow children to deepen their understanding of the content that is being taught. I really liked and agreed with the comment made in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works about if homework is assigned it should be commented on. Doing so will provide the students with a sense of reinforcement and a behavior that will be most likely be repeated. There are many web resources that one can use as well to practice concepts and skills repeatedly from their home. There are several websites that provide interactive practice. Our teachers have a website called Porta Portal for the students that has a breakdown of websites in each subject area. The children are highly encouraged to use this site as a means of practice.  The Behaviorist Orientation to Learning sates that activity is important, “learning is better when the learning is active rather than passive” (Smith, 1999). Using these websites will strengthen student’s skills in an engaging manner, while it generates feedback for me too. This then creates more opportunities for learning and a chance to challenge them.

As one can see, behaviorism is used in many ways in the classroom. After reviewing the material this week, it is evident that technology can increase the effort, achievement, and homework practices for students.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program four: Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Smith, K. (1999). The behaviorist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm