Behaviorism is a strong educational theory being practiced in many classrooms and schools. Dr. Orey explains behaviorism as the “reinforcement of desirable behaviors,” coupled with “punishment of undesirable behaviors” (Laureate Education, 2009). Behavior and learning go hand in hand with one another. For successful learning to take place, desirable behavior must be in place. This week’s resources focused on the principle of behaviorism, its relevancy and connection with technology usage in the classroom.
James Hartley shares four key beliefs critical in promoting successful behaviorism in the classroom: activity, repetition, reinforcement and clear objectives (Smith, 1999). Each of these values is incorporated in many facets of today’s technology. For instance, an engaging alternative to wipe off boards is the Active Board, an interactive whiteboard allowing students countless methods of electronic interaction. This technical tool has been particularly engaging with my first graders. Active boards also present the opportunity to present web based media enlarged for whole class interaction. Additionally, several web sites boast online practice and tutorials for students to actively practice skills and receive immediate feedback as to their progress. “Typically, students need about 24 practice sessions with a skill in order to achieve 80-percent competency” (Pitler, Hubbel, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). Likewise, technology offers a variety of methods relevant to each learning style offering for skill reinforcement.
Specifically, in my classroom of young learners, learning based games have been an invaluable learning tool. Motivating games where students can earn prizes for achieving success on a specific skill are utilized daily to incorporate positive reinforcement and boost engagement. Dr. Orey suggests computer usage such as online tutorials, for remediation and multiple opportunities for practice (Laureate Education, 2009).
Utilizing technology to support behaviorism in the classroom provides many opportunities for positive learning. With a world of resources on the net, teachers have an endless selection of engaging and motivating programs at their fingertips.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Behaviorist Learning Theory. [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Smith, M. K. (1999) 'The behaviourist orientation to learning', the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI also believe that behaviorism has a place in the classroom, and always will. In some form or another, educators are constantly using positive and negative reinforcement to obtain desirable behaviors. If the classroom environment is not safe and inviting, little learning will take place.
Like you mentioned, when implementing behaviorism in the classroom, students need to be actively involved and there needs to be some type of reinforcement. I just obtained a Promethean Board this year, which is something very similar to your Active Board. Instead of having my students practice problems at their seats, I have them come up to the board and interact with its many features. This gets students excited and it reinforces the work we do. I also broadcast websites, images, PowerPoints, and many other resources that allow my students to become part of their own learning experience.
Just yesterday, I was tutoring a small group of students, and we were discussing the theme, plot, and setting of a story. Instead of just handing them some paper and asking them to answer some questions, we used our buildings newly acquired program called Study Island. I broadcasted some questions on the board and we worked together to come up with the right answers. By simply using technology to review concepts, I already had my students more engaged than if they were using paper and pencil. If we got the right answer to a question, students took turns coming up and playing a 30 second snip-it of a game of their choice, which is included in the program as positive reinforcement.
There is no doubt that technology can provide support for behaviorism in the classroom. It is a matter of finding the right program that meets the needs of your students.
-Jonas
Jonas,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Yes, interactive white boards are great! In fact, we use Promethean software on our Active Boards. My students love them as well. It has become the center of teaching in my classroom!
One of the areas where I use behaviorism in conjunction with my Active Board is during math lessons. Our math units are all interactive white board ready. Tests are set up weekly. One feature of our math program is a game called Math Quiz Show in which the concepts are broken down by unit and presented in a jeopardy type game. Students are on teams and have to buzz in to answer questions. The program comes complete with personalized players, annoying game show music, and game show voice. My students love it! If they have worked hard all week on their math assignments we play this game on Fridays as a reward/review for the upcoming test.
Test scores have gone up due to the amount of engagement during my math instruction. Thank you for your comments! You will have to share more about the program Study Island.
-Allison
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I liked how you mentioned the four parts outlined by James Hartley which are key to promoting effective behaviorism in the classroom. The math activity you described involving the interactive whiteboard seems like a highly engaging and beneficial way to practice math concepts. Extending this activity by having the students practice these concepts independently could also give teachers insight into their true level of knowledge while providing the students with immediate feedback and further practice if needed. Do you use any programs that allow your students to practice their math skills independently?
Erika
Allison,
ReplyDeleteStudy Island has many similar features to the math program you described. There are features that allow me to set up practice sessions, review sessions, and much more. It can be as interactive as I want it to be. I can also set up responders, or buzzer, and allow each student in the class to ring in their answer to a question I broadcast on my Promethean Board. The results from everyone in the class are then charted in a pie or bar graph form for us all to see. It is really cool!
My colleagues and I also use Study Island to give benchmark and other tests in reading and math. Even though we have only had the program for eight months, we all can see the positive effects it is having on many students. Their enthusiasm and effort levels are positively effected by this multimedia resource. I am anxious to see the results of test scores after a few years of students using this program.
-Jonas
Erika,
ReplyDeleteSuccess Maker is a program we have that is great for having our students practice both reading and math skills independently. It has been especially effective for our English Language Learners. The students enjoy using the program.
Allison
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that giving students postive and negative reinforcements helps students to understand consequences for their actions. Even though I teach older students they still love to interact with white boards and play games. I recently got a smart board in my classroom and I see how much my students enjoy interacting with the smartboard and the different tools and activities we are able to do. My student stay engaged and are motivated to work.
Students enjoy when teachers intergrate technology into the lesson. Most of our students are very technology savvy. Having technology in a lesson is just another way for teachers to relate to our students needs. Today's classroom is different from the classroom I was in when I was going to middle school. This is why we as teachers need to be lifetime learners so we can continue to keep up with the way students learn.