The Behaviorist Learning Theory has gotten a bad reputation through the years, but still shapes the very instructional strategies educators use almost every day in the classroom. It is important to understand that "Operant-Conditioning" is not grounded simply in consequences and punishments, but instead primarily focuses on the reinforcement of positive behaviors.
The first instructional strategy I explored this week in the course text, Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition, relates most directly to the Behaviorist learning theory. Perhaps the most enlightening point was the importance of reinforcing students' beliefs about the relationship between effort and achievement (Pittler, Hubbell, and Kuhn, 2013 p 57). I know that I, personally, lose sight of the fact that this is not an inherent concept for most students by the time they enter my classroom in ninth grade. Perhaps this important concept deserves its own unit or course, but I know extra time is not a luxury most educators can afford. This is where I see the correlation between educational technology and learning theory. A simple survey or poll conducted using a platform such as surveymonkey.com or an easily developed spreadsheet given at poignant points throughout the year can gauge students' understanding of how their effort is directly relating to their success. Recognition no longer needs to be confined to the walls of the classroom on bulletin boards, but perhaps more authentically could be displayed on a class, district, or community website where students feel the true nature of their positive efforts.
There are a plethora of websites aimed at aiding teachers in offering positive recognition and reinforcing the importance of homework and practice. One such resource that I have found to be extremely useful in coordinating these important instructional strategies is Edmodo.com. Edmodo allows teachers to create a kind of virtual classroom combining many of the Web 2.0 tools into one local virtual environment. Teachers can award online badges recognizing the efforts of students in this online classroom. Additionally, teachers can post homework, upcoming events, and long-term projects to a calendar for students to track their homework and practice expectations. Real-time surveys and polls can be created through Edmodo for instant data collection. Finally, Edmodo allows students to communicate with the teacher as well as other students in a blog-like fashion. I feel this educational technology holds the most possibilities for utilizing the instructional strategies studied in this week's learning resources as well as tapping into many of the principles behind the Behaviorist Learning theory.
References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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ReplyDeleteAs you mentioned, the behaviorist learning theory is an important aspect within reinforcing the effort of students and providing recognition for their work. I think you bring up an interesting point that teaching students to always try their best deserves its own unit, or even course. I believe that this skill is far more important than many of the academic facts that students have to learn. Believing in one’s self is a useful quality that students can use throughout life. However, even with more time available through the use of technology, I suppose students still need to engage in academic work in order to take note of the effectiveness of their efforts.
ReplyDeleteUsing technology to reinforce effort or provide recognition can be extremely beneficial to students. According to Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn (2012) posting the work of students on the internet enables the possibility of authentic feedback from individuals from around the world and having their work showcased for years can have a lasting effect on student motivation. Even with the available technology, I still believe it is important to showcase the work of students in the classroom. I completely agree with you that the internet does open up new possibilities for providing students with recognition for their work. However, I am not certain many students will see the work of their peers on the internet, unless they are asked to do so, therefore the bulletin board may still serve a purpose for peer recognition.
Homework and practice can help students practice new skills but it needs to be meaningful to students. According to Wolfe (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011) the brain can remember things that it saw or experienced efficiently, but this information must be meaningful to students. Engaging in homework and practice using digital technology allows students the opportunity to learn through various learning preferences. Barley has suggested that computer-assisted instruction can help all students learn because it reinforces their efforts, provides immediate feedback, and it can meet individual learning needs (as cited in Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
I think that Edmodo sounds like a great resource for students to engage in. With all of the student and teacher resources available in website, surely this resource is motivational and supportive for all learning needs. I also think that it is great that you have been using this resource in your classroom to help coordinate your instruction. It sounds to me like your students are benefiting well through the aspects of the behaviorist learning theory which you have employed in your classroom.
Students need guidance and direction to learn the skills and understandings which are necessary to be successful throughout life. Using positive reinforcement strategies in the classroom are extremely efficient ways of ensuring this success. If teachers want their diverse students to learn to become highly motivated, lifelong learners, than they need to understanding numerous learning theories and teaching strategies, and adapt them into their instructional repertoires.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program two: Brain research and learning [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. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Brett,
DeleteThank you for your thoughts. I agree that classroom use of bulletin boards for recognition still has a very large place in instructional strategy for the reasons you listed. Often, I have involved that entire class in the selection of the pieces that deserve recognition through the use of an anonymous voting system designed to target specific qualities of excellent work.
Dina,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on your acknowledgement of teachers not having time on their side and that education does not stop after a bell rings. I also agree that the resolution to both of those topics is the inclusion of technology. I like that you included post and acknowledging students via internet as Pitler, Hubbell and Kuhn (2012) suggest. I also like your inclusion of using Edmondo.com. I will have to look into this site and add it to my collection of online resources.
Even with the bad rap of behaviorism, I also find it to be a valuable skill to teach students. I think it is important even outside of the classroom for classroom management purposes. I find the saying to hold suite socially and academically that you teach/train people how to treat you. I believe it is not only our responsibility to educate students as well as molding them into respectable citizens as well.
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
~Nicole Anglis
Nicole,
DeleteThank you for your reply to my post. I completely agree that it is our responsibility as 21st century educators to mold students into respectable, educated, and productive citizens. With the advent of College and Career Readiness standards, the ability to collaborate with others is highlighted and this certainly involves lessons in appropriate behavior both individually and socially. One of the primary methods for reinforcing positive behavior and attitudes is through consistent recognition of the quality behaviors we wish to reinforce. Sometimes this may come as a quick verbal confirmation, other times it should be taken to the next level in order to solidify its importance to both the entire class as well as the individual.
Hey Mrs. Flemmings great blog page love the background. I agree with with your post I also enjoyed the statement when you said "The first instructional strategy I explored this week in the course text, Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition, relates most directly to the Behaviorist learning theory."
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