Behaviorism in Practice

This week, two instructional strategies were explored; Reinforcing Effort, and Homework and Practice. Both instructional strategies relate to the behaviorist learning theory. Providing recognition is a way of reinforcement. I offer constant praise to my students when they provide me with quality work, try their best, were once struggling on a skill and has shown great improvement, or if a student behaves appropriately. I find that the more I offer verbal praise, the more my students are motivated and eager to continue working hard and act appropriately in class. In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, it offers many suggestions and examples of how technology can be used for recognition. In Web-based surveys, students have the opportunity to receive feedback from both teacher and peers. Teachers can use the results and print out certificates which can be personalized for students and what they have achieved. Another way technology can be used for recognition is through web showcases and picture galleries. Students can showcase their work not only to a teacher and peers, but to parents as well. Something I have never tried and would like to, is audio e-mail. I love calling home and sending positive notes of praise, but this is just yet another way of incorporating technology-being able to give audio praise in an e-mail. Today's learners are Digital Natives and incorporating technology in offering recognition is just another way students and teachers can use 21st century skills. Just as in the behaviorist learning theory, the more I motivate my students and reinforce a certain behavior, the behavior will more than likely be repeated.

The instructional strategy of homework and practice also correlates with the principles of the behaviorist learning theory, because in order for students to master a skill learned in class, they must be given ample opportunity for practice. Technology is incorporated by using word processing applications and multimedia. In multimedia, students are able to practice skills and feedback is provided instantly. Feedback is crucial in learning. It drives instruction for teachers, and shows students what their strengths and weaknesses are. Technology today offers prompting and hints, so students can arrive at the correct answer and understand where they went wrong. I like using web resources in the classroom to provide students the opportunity to practice and enhance skills learned. In my first grade classroom, I use Iknowthat.com and starfall.com. The text provided a few more websites that I would like to incorporate in the coming school year. Students can use these websites both at home and at school.

Elements from the behavioral learning theory are used each day in class. Students should not only know about rewards, but consequences as well. We use elements from the behavioral theory for classroom management, but through recognition, and homework and practice as well. Technology supports all that we do and provides students will an incredible learning experience that supports and enhances what they have learned in class through practice and enrichment.