In today’s classroom, behaviorism is everywhere.
In my own classroom, I use a color clip chart to manage
behaviors, online and software programs to practice math and reading skills
taught, I explicitly teach reading and phonics skills. All these are examples
of behaviorism in the classroom. I believe many of you can concor that you use
similar methods or procedures in your classroom.
Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski’s (2007) chapters on
reinforcing effort and homework and practice discusses many technology tools
that teachers can use and integrate technology in the classroom. In Chapter 8, Reinforcing Effort, the authors suggests
using technology to help students monitor and become aware of their own effort
or self-efficacy (p. 156). This instructional strategy is directly align to the
beliefs of behaviorist. This strategy allow students to become aware of their
own behaviors and how it impacts grades or achievement. This is directly
aligned to behaviorist beliefs of response to external stimuli. Lever-Duffy and McDonald (2008) affirms “behaviorists….view
all behavior as a response to external stimuli” (p. 15).
My question to my
readers is how can I use technology with my kindergarteners to help them become
aware of effort or is this idea too
young for them?
In Chapter 10 of Using
technology with Instruction that Works, the authors discusses how
technology can be used in homework and practice. In regards to technology and
behaviorism, I believe that the technology software and online resources that
allows for explicit practice of key skills and content taught helps students to
practice skills and work with others to learn needed foundational skills.
However, this type of programmed online instructional programs such not be the
source and only technology integration used in the classroom. I believe that
teachers must find a balance between allowing students to practice needed
skills and learning through collaborative experiences that uses technology
tools for research, exploration, and learning. “Technology facilitates…practice
by providing a wealth of resources for learning…making easy for students to
work on collaborative …assignments and providing ‘drill and practice’ resources
that help students refine their skills” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski,
p. 189, 2007).
Some Behaviorism-based programs that I currently
use are listed below. What are some others that you use in your own school or
classroom?ABC Mouse
ABCya
References
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical
foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson
Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.
(2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA:
ASCD.
Trinicia, I too am unsure of the applicability of using the strategy of using spreadsheets to correlate effort and achievement for very young children. However, as teachers I also believe it is our responsibility to choose the strategies that fit the development stage of our students. I agree that the strategy uses external stimuli to encourage students to become more aware of their own learning and this is an essential skill for learners in the twenty first century. The ‘homework and practice’ strategy clearly fits within the realm of behaviorist learning while the ‘reinforcing effort strategy’ seems to extend it.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Amanda,
DeleteThank you for your response. I believe that behaviorism does have a place in our classrooms of today. It is improtant to have a balanace of using these ideas to control behavior and encouraging them to try and give it there all.
Trinecia