Looking at the behaviorist theory and applying it to today's classroom is still appropriate and current with twenty-first century skills and objectives. In the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the authors give concrete examples in ways to implement technology-based projects that support the behaviorist theory. For most teachers we think of behavior management when it comes to the behaviorist theory. We want to reinforce positive behaviors and set consequences for negative behaviors. The book gives a prime example of a positive way to reinforce effort. They suggest creating an effort rubric that allows the teacher, or even better, the students to reflect and evaluate their performance in the classroom. Teachers know that effort has a major impact on student success and this is a great way for the students to learn the importance of effort. If the students use the rubric to evaluate their effort and are given the scores to corresponding assignments they can chart this data in excel and eventually create graphs that will display the effect effort has on their assignment grades (2007). This strongly supports the behaviorist theory of reinforcing effort and can easily incorporate technology to support twenty-first century skills.
The behaviorist theory also believes that the drill and practice method to learning can be highly successful; I believe, if it is used in the right setting it can be. The book gives many suggestions in chapter ten that focuses on homework and practice when technology can be used to support the behaviorist theory and its stress on programmed instruction and tutorials. Students can use computers to complete PowerPoint tutorials, educational games or another form of step-by-step learning (2007). Allowing the students to learn at their own pace and practice a particular skill in a drill-like manner, can increase the student's success in the classroom. As educators we recognize the importance of learning through discovery and being creative, but some fundamental skills need to taught and learned through drill and practice, this is when the behaviorist theory can support certain methods of instruction.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I think that you stated a valuable point in that if we allow students to learn at their own pace we can increase the student's success in the classroom. With the creation of practical drills and reinforcement I agree you can create success and with that success give the students the confidence to push themselves further. The self evaluation tool Pitler discusses in chapter 8 is a great tool to demonstrate the behaviorist theory. Having them evaluate themselves, monitor their progress and demonstrate their achievements is giving them that positive reinforcement that behaviorism is all about. Great connections with the chart and the idea of behaviorism.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that behaviorism is beneficial to the 21st century, as well. I have often thought, "What if police officers pulled us over to compliment our driving instead of giving us tickets?" I think that we would drive a lot safer with that positive reinforcement. Plus, students should be taught rewards and consequences. You go to work and do a good job, you get a paycheck. You go to work and do a bad job, you get fired. It's all relative.
ReplyDeleteReponse to Dequency
ReplyDeletePositive and negative reinforcement will always be relevant, it is very important our students learn the their are consequences for everything we do, good or bad.
Interesting thought about the police officers pulling us over to tell us how well be are driving. Maybe a thumbs-up would suffice, but I get your point.