This week we learned about the Behavorist theory. This theory focuses on actions and the behavior can be changed from reinforcement and punishment. Behaviorists want to see a measurable outcome, since they believe that people can change from exterior responses.
In the reading from “Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works” (Pittler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, 2007) two strategies focused on how to incorporate technology in the classroom to assist the students. The first section "Reinforcing Effort “ helps the student understand the importance of effort put forth in the class. It was found that students come to class with preconceived notions about success or failure, based on bogus information. To help the students visualize his/her habits, each student creates a spreadsheet on his/her work habits, which directly correlates with the grade received on an assignment. The students are taught a rubric based on efforts and then are asked to create and fill out a spreadsheet on his/her study habits. The students conference with the teacher about to assess the progress. Behavorist focus only on the actions, but "Reinforcing Efforts" acknowledges that students may have negative self efficacy and that this will affect the student. This method does not focus on instantaneous rewards,which are required of the Behaviorist theory. Tracking a breaking down the habits and studying them and reflecting upon your actions does lend itself to Behaviorism
The second strategy "Homework and Practice" shows the importance of practicing new concepts, especially in math. (Marzano et al., 2001, p. 67) state that "typical students need about 24 practice sessions with a skill in order to achieve 80 percent competency." Technology can assist in creating pertinent homework for the students to digest the new concept. The next day it is imperative that the teacher follow up on the homework. There are many technology resources provided to help with reinforcement of a new concept. Again, Behaviorist believe in clear cut directions that breaks each component down, and give explicit directions. One of the recommendations on issuing homework is to articulate purpose, outcome and give homework policy. The technology allows the student to use various ways to enrich his/her knowledge.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Behaviorist learning theory [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology . Baltimore : Orey.
Marzano, R.T. (2007). The art and science of teachig: a comprehensive framework for effective instruction. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Developmenet
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Do you have any suggestions on how to eliminate the "preconceived notions about success or failure, based on bogus information" that students come to class with? This is a biggie for me teaching mathematics. Some students seem to never overcome that issue and as a result are academically unsuccessful.
ReplyDeleteChristilyn Fetzer
It seems that using spreadsheets to track student progress relates more to learning goals than behaviorist learning theory. Utilizing the technology is a wonderful tool for the students to use, but i think the teacher needs to be conferencing with the students for the method to be considered along the lines of behaviorism. I wonder if there is a way to give instantaneous rewards for students tracking their effort. All i can think of right now is verbal congratulations, since i dont really believe in giving candy out all the time.
ReplyDeleteTrying this out to see if it works.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of using a habit rubric and have the students fill out a chart to show to correlation between effort and results. I also thought about showing the students new scientific information on how the brain functions. The old thought of compartments and either you are left or right brain is no longer the belief. Students need to know how the brain works. Another idea I had was to incorporate more technology. I know we are taking integrating technology, but students are more apt to work on an assignment when technology is involved. Our text Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works has many web sites that are useful, especially for math. In my previous class teaching the students to finish work intrinsically was emphasized. The Behaviorist emphasize rewards. I think there needs to be a balance between the two. I teach middle school with 185 students each day. It is not possible to conference with the students, but I was thinking that the 6th grade teachers could divide the students, so each teacher has a core group. This would give the needed attention. Any other suggestions or comments?
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated with this quote as well; “typical students need about 24 practice sessions with a skill in order to achieve 80 percent competency." I usually do not assign this much homework because I believe in a select few as review is efficient enough. But, incorporating my select few bookwork problems with an online tutorial program would be great. By doing so would eliminate monotony and hopefully make homework truly beneficial. In addition to homework success would be teacher follow through with feedback; I agree. After reading this quote has this changed your perspective on homework?
ReplyDeleteStephanie Coultrip
The point you brought up about students coming in with preconceived notions is a very relevent point. I think it's important to keep in mind that student's perceptions of school and education not only are formed in the classroom but also outside. Sometimes, a great deal of our need to condition is try and restructure and correct many of those bogus notions.
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