The behaviorist learning theory is one that is often looked down upon because it based on concrete, observable behavior. It pays little attention to what is happening inside the brain of students and focuses on what behavior patterns can be repeated. Despite this, there is a great deal of behaviorism based strategies than have proven useful in the classroom setting.
One instructional strategy that is related to the behaviorist learning theory is that of reinforcing effort. The goal of this strategy is to get students to think and behave a specific way that will enhance their overall confidence and learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). If students acknowledge the fact that the effort they put towards certain learning activities directly correlates with their scores and grades, they will hopefully modify their behavior in a way that is beneficial to them (such as studying harder). Technology can also help with making the process of reinforcing effort quicker and easier with various programs and software, such as Microsoft Excel. The concept of reinforcing effort is to create positive reinforcement so that students realize that an increased effort can increase their performance in all areas of their academic life.
Another instructional strategy that is related to behaviorism is that of homework and practice. Homework is often seen by students as boring and meaningless, one of the true negatives of being in school. However, if it is assigned properly and given a purpose, practice and homework can be quite enjoyable and effective in creating meaningful learning. Practice and homework, to be considered behaviorist-driven, must work toward certain behavior goals (as cited in Smith, 1999) so that students can all derive the same general meaning or skills from the homework. Hartley (1998) said that practicing certain skill sets over and over are critical for learning to take place. However, practice and homework must take place using several different approaches and in different contexts in order to keep students interested and focused (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Technology is also very useful in terms of practicing skills. There are thousands of websites and tutorials available to help students hone specific skills they need to be successful in the classroom.
The role of technology today in regards to the behaviorist learning theory is essential. Most of the technology available to students is easy to use. Technology can also make it easier for teachers to help students of all different learning styles and levels. Through the technology and behaviorist-driven strategies aforementioned, richer and more meaningful learning through various methods ranging from math e-flash cards to online learning games can take place. On top of that, students enjoy using technology as part of their learning so it only makes sense to use it in reinforcing effort and in practicing skills they need to be successful in life.
Resources
Hartley, J. (1998) Learning and Studying. A research perspective, London: Routledge.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Smith, K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal
education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
Video #2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDQ8DG-XQK8
The point that you made about behaviorist learning theory contributing to students overall confidence levels and learning goes a long way in validating teaching over the years. As we continue to learn more about how the brain functions and the role that educators play in developing the overall learning experience, it is refreshing to hear about the things that are being done well. To that end, technology is enhancing these overall tendencies, supporting not only the educational community but the learner as well. Being able to extend the learning experience beyond the classroom walls through the inclusion of technology gives us as educators the impetus we need to create life long learners.
ReplyDeleteSandra- I do think that behaviorist learning gets a bad rap but educators have been using methods supported by behaviorism for years. Even though the trends show education moving away from that learning theory it still has use, especially in homework and practice. I agree that technology has been extremely helpful in extending learning for students, especially at elementary levels. My son is in kindergarten and plays a lot of learning-based games that are helping him understand more than just the numbers, letters, and patterns. It is truly amazing how technology is enhancing learning and making different kinds of learning activities more available.
DeleteGreat post! I agree with the idea that homework has to be assigned properly and with a purpose. As you sort of mentioned, if students find the assignments to be meaningless they will be less likely to complete them. Furthermore, I think it is important that teachers do not attach a negative connotation to homework by assigning it as busy work or as a punishment. In addition to your analysis, I loved the video on positve reinforcements. Although comical, it seemed to exemplify exactly what this learning theory is all about.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Liana- Thanks for your comments. It is amazing what assigning practice work can do for student learning, if done in the appropriate manner as you said. If students get a traditional worksheet on filling out vocabulary for example, then it seems boring and dry. If you make the practice fun or seem more like an activity or scenario, then it peaks student interest more. In other words, put what is being learned in some different contexts to keep the students engaged and thinking. Thanks for your reply, Liana!
DeleteHere is the website my son Adam uses in kindergarten. They use it for science and language/reading development.
ReplyDeletehttp://pbskids.org/wildkratts/