The theory of behaviorism concludes that learners gain
knowledge, skills, and behaviors after rewards, punishments, or withheld
responses. Behaviorists believe that
learners learn as a reaction to their environments not because of specific
mental tasks (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). Reinforcing effort, providing recognition,
assigning homework and providing practice are all instructional strategies that
can be associated with behaviorist learning theory and can be implemented
easily using technology.
According to Pitler, Hubbell, and Kuhn 2012, “Research shows
that the level of belief in self-efficacy plays a strong role in motivation for
learning and achievement”.
The correlation of effort to achievement can be presented to
students after data collection of effort and scores on specific tasks. Using a spreadsheet would be an effective way
to give students a visual of this information.
Teacher created awards and badges can also provide recognition to
students for their hard work. Posting
students work on classroom blogs can also be motivating for students. Audio recordings, instant messages, and
videoconferencing can be a surprising way for students to hear from their
teachers for a job well done (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
Homework and practice activities often correlate with
behaviorism. Pitler, Hubbell, and Kuhn suggest clearly
sharing the purpose and desired outcomes for practice activities, designing the
practice activities to be short, direct, and carried out over time, and giving
immediate feedback on the practice.
Something as simple as word processing can provide students will many
opportunities to practice skills such as word choice, and sentence fluency with
the built in tools provided in the programs.
There are many multimedia apps and websites that provide additional,
differentiated instruction for students.
These apps and websites often increase the level of skill as students
become more proficient with the content or skills presented. They provide immediate feedback with the use
of a pop-up, chime, or other indicators for correct answers. These instructional interactives are
generally very engaging for students and can provide a quick, focused way for
students to practice skills, or extend their current knowledge (Pitler,
Hubbell, and Kuhn, 2012).
Here are some websites that I currently use with my students
for additional practice and for reinforcement of desired behaviors:
References:
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical
foundations (Laureate
Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Kori,
ReplyDeleteI definitely learned even more about the theory from reading your post. You provided us with a great summary of some of the teaching strategies that correlate with the behaviorist learning theory. Do you use a lot of these in your classroom? I really like the idea of having students keep track of their effort using a spreadsheet and will definitely incorporate this more in my classroom.
Thanks for posting those links to websites that you use. I checked out a few of them and there are some really good resources there. I have never heard of GoNoodle before so was curious and watched a few of their information videos on the website. One of the videos showed a class of elementary students mimicking a cartoon character while basically doing yoga stretches. What a neat activity! I teach high school students so I’m not sure how those particular videos would go over with them, but the concept is really interesting. Have you used this with your classes? Do you find it makes a different to help them energize or focus when needed?
Lindsay
Lindsay,
DeleteGo Noodle has been a hit in my classroom. I have always use brain breaks and movement activities to get the wiggles out, but using technology for this has been even more engaging for my students. I think movement breaks are very helpful when students need to get refocused. I have used yoga and breathing techniques too. I do a mid morning break every day for at least 10 minutes. My students depend on this.
Kori
Hi Kori,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that "There are many multimedia apps and websites that provide additional, differentiated instruction for students." My concern here is more on the budgeting. I am sure that you know about this problem. We are a small school. I find that as a small school it is quite challenging to arrange budget for providing more technology to implemented in the class. Do you have any problem like this in your school? If you do, what does your school do?
I like the way you shared the websites that you used for additional practice. Thank you for sharing this.
Regards,
Tjandra
Tjandra,
DeleteThere are budget issues in my school as well. There never seems to be enough money for the things we need, when we need them. However, I must say that the PTA at my school (new to me this year) is very helpful in getting technology in our building. They have also done a great job of helping to fund field trips, school activities, and purchase needed supplies. I feel very fortunate to have so much support available now. Up until this year, I was always employed at Title 1 schools. The budget was always very tight in these buildings. Many teachers I know have been able to fund new technology for their classrooms through Donors Choose. You should check this out.
Kori
Kori,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the helpful websites you use. I will be checking out gonoodle and adaptedmind. Both of these are new to me. With the ability to do so much practice using technology, I often wonder how long it will be before the flipped-classroom model will come to be common practice. What do you think about this topic?
Abby,
DeleteI am just waiting for flipped classrooms to be the focus in our district. I think the concept is brilliant. I do think that many things will have to be in place before the implementation of flipped classrooms can be effective and efficient. All families will have to have access to technology in their homes. Teachers will need some additional professional development in this area too. I think that flipped classrooms will eventually be the norm in teaching and not something that we are just hearing about every now and again.
Kori