When a person starts something in life such as a sport, a class, a hobby, or any activity, the ultimate goal is to achieve success in whatever form it comes in. Success is measured in a variety of ways, but according to Pitler, Hubell, Kuhn, and Melonski (2007), effort is the best choice for those who desire to achieve success and remain successful throughout life. Many things cannot be controlled in life, but the effort a person puts into an activity is controlled and determined by the individual. When a good effort is observed a positive reinforcement is one way to reinforce the desired behavior and encourage the continuation of the effort being made.
Some ways to use technology to help improve effort is through data collection and spreadsheets. Technology makes it a lot easier to track the improvements being made over time. Programs are available that allow students to chart and measure their progress. Spreadsheets can be created to show the efforts being made and how this effects achievement (Pitler, et. al., 2007). Students can visually see how important effort is when trying to learn and master concepts. When the students see that their behavior and effort plays a role in achievement, hopefully they will continue to behave in a way that promotes success.
Homework is one tool that allows students to practice what is learned in the classroom. It brings the learning home and allows children to interact outside of the classroom and apply what they have learned. Technology is a great tool in creating meaningful homework. If students have access to technology outside of school then they can do so much more than just worksheets to practice. Some students need additional practice to help learn and master certain skills. Websites and other software programs can be used to help. Dr. Orey points out that these programs need to be used appropriately and not the only tool utilized. If drill and kill websites are all that are used then students are not receiving the best possible instruction (Laureate Educational, Inc., 2010).
There needs to be a balance in all things. Technology is a tool with so much potential when used efficiently. There are principles of the behaviorist learning theory that are vital and effective, but again they must be used correctly and in balance with other learning theories. Teachers need to be clear and direct with what they expect from their students so that students know what efforts and practices must be done to achieve success.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). Behaviorist Learning Theory. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Denver, Co: Mid-Continental Research for Education and Learning.
Kerri,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Behaviorist learning theory is an important part and should be regularly used in classrooms. Individuals thrive on attention, especially positive attention. When a student is rewarded for a good action, they tend to repeat that action. I have witnessed the opposite as well in that some of my students want any type of attention be it positive or negative, therefore the behavior system has to be extremely consistent and consistently monitored.
I, too, utilize the "tutorial" method for learning. Call it ADD or just laziness, but I have a much better success rate of recall being able to go back to a part on a video as a refresher/reminder for information. Quick and simple lessons are great for my student population, special education, as they receive immediate feedback and response for their answer, which keep them interested.
Traci Kitchens
I think homework is one of those aspects of education that, at least in my district, has really fallen out of favor. I think that is a bit of a disappointment because it serves a very valuable role in improving students skills and mastery of content knowledge. Students that have access to technology could be assigned some amazing websites that could really help the students.
ReplyDeleteHomework must have meaning for the students and they must receive some sort of feedback on that. Providing feedback shows students that the work they have done does have meaning.
Being a mom of four school students, I am not a fan of homework. I see its use but it is just one more thing I have to do. I like the technology side of homework, not the busy work and unfortunately it is usually busy work.
ReplyDeleteReading our resources and watching the short video, I still question if behaviorism actually pertains to the education of young people, or only involves forming desired behaviors. The jury is still out on my decision. Thanks for the insight...I too do not like homework all that much, but being a music teacher, my students have to practice everyday for 309 minutes...that is my homework.
ReplyDeleteConsistency is a must when using behavioral principles in the classroom. I feel bad that students thrive for attention even if it is negative attention. Hard to avoid this behavior. As to only forming behaviors, I feel the right behaviors need to be formed in order to be able to teach. With public education, class size is increasing every year and without appropriate behaviors being practiced in class, it would be impossible to teach. No one would be able to learn in a classroom environment full of unruly and disobedient students.
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