Behaviorist learning theory was one of the first major learning theories that influenced instructional practice by focusing on changing behavior through some type of stimulus and reinforcement (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Behaviorists believe that all behaviors are learned and can be unlearned. Therefore, unacceptable behaviors can be replaced with those more acceptable. Even though the behaviorist learning theory’s popularity has fallen over the years, behaviorism it still widely used in classrooms today specifically in educational technology.
Reinforcing Effort
“Research shows that the level of belief in self-efficacy plays a strong role in motivation for learning and achievement." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 155). Not all students understand and realize the importance of effort for academic success. Some students credit their success or failure to factors out of their control. By using spreadsheets, students can track the effects of their effort along with immediate feedback from the teacher. The data collected, with the use of this technology, demonstrates to students how effort is tied to achievement which reinforces them to take responsibility for their learning. Like the behaviorist learning theory, a behavior is changed by a stimulus and reinforcement. This particular instructional strategy, Reinforcing Effort, helps students change their beliefs by making a connection between their effort and achievement (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).
Homework and Practice
“Technology facilitates homework and practice by providing a wealth of resources for learning outside of the classroom." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 189). Web resources can enhance a student’s homework by building skills through “drill and practice” where the behavior is directed by a stimulus (Orey, 2001). There are a number of technology resources that correlate with the behaviorist learning theory that provides effective homework and practice for students of all grade levels. One highly recommended Web site is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html. This
resource helps students’ preK-12 obtain a better understanding of math concepts by the use of virtual manipulatives. Other types of technology that can be incorporated into a homework program are word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, and multimedia.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010a). Program four. Behaviorist learning theory [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. (n.d.). National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. Retrieved November 10, 2010, from http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Shelia,
ReplyDeleteYou stated that "behaviorists believe that all behaviors are learned and can be unlearned. Therefore, unacceptable behaviors can be replaced with those more acceptable."
Do you agree with this?
Meredith
Shelia,
ReplyDeleteIs assigning homework that is computer based enough? How do you track it? Is it fair to assign it when less then half the class have access at home? I guess these are all excuses why it would not work for me. I do use it in the classroom though. Sometimes I feel drill and practice works for certain students. Others need a way to extend their learning.
Would you use the effort spreadsheet with your students?
Stephanie Cunningham
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI think of homework only to reinforce a skill. If homework is given, it needs to be directed toward the student. In other words, if some students need reinforcement in a particular reading skill but you have a student that has mastered the given skill. Are you going to give all your students the same homework? This is where technology could be used for enrichment with the use of blogs or wikis. Tracking assignments would be easy when students are posting on these types of Web tools. You do have a legitimate concern of not all students have access to computers and the internet at home. So, to answer your question, I would not make homework with the use of technology mandatory.
Sheila
Meredith,
ReplyDeleteI consider myself more of an eclectic instructor than behaviorist. From my experience, it depends on the student. I have seen positive reinforcement work with many students. However, I have also seen it fail with students that have deeper behavior problems. What do you think?
Sheila