This week we are talking about the
Behaviorist Learning Theory and how Behaviorism influence education. According
to Learning-Theories.com the Behaviorist Learning Theory focuses on the
relationship between a stimulus and a response to learn or unlearn a behavior. Behaviorists
believe that learners start off as a blank slates and their behaviors are
shaped by positive and negative reinforcements (2014). Many of the characteristics of
the Behaviorist Learning Theory can be found in today’s classrooms especially
when incorporating technology.
One of the key components of
Behaviorism is the influence of positive reinforcement on students’ behavior. Students
respond positively to sincere and authentic praise and there are a number of
ways that students and teachers can benefit from technology based reinforcement
in the class. There is nothing more exciting than for a student be praised for
an achievement, whether it be for an academic, social or physical
accomplishment and then to have evidence of their achievement to show to family
and friends. By printing personalized certificates of achievement or awards
students will have a tangible prize to help them feel motivated. Certificates are a great way to give students praise that is specific to a certain behavior or performance. When praise is specific in nature is will help to strengthen the connection between the positive reinforcement and the desired behavior as opposed to a generic comment that does not directly connect the stimulus to the response in the student's mind. These certificates show students that their effort and achievement are recognized and appreciated (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
Examples of Behaviorism can be found in the relationship between achievement and effort. Students' achievement serves as the stimulus and effort serves as the response to the positive or negative reinforcement a student receives. Utilizing a rubric is another great way to help students make the connection between effort and achievement. A rubric shows students clear expectations of how students can demonstrate their learning. Rubrics allow students to see that their grades are not arbitrarily assigned. More importantly, tools such as rubrics help students to see that they are capable of owning their learning and that being smart or good in a subject is not solely attributed to outside forces (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
Working with students in after school activities to strengthen their academic abilities and encourage an engagement I find the ideas of the Behaviorist Learning Theory play a strong role in the activities that we choose to participate in. Learning activities that take place outside of the school day, whether it is homework, tutoring or independent investigation need to be more exciting and motivational than learning that takes place during the school day because the amount of stimulating activities to choose from are far greater once the final bell rings. Blending technology and positive reinforcement through educational and developmentally appropriate websites and computer based programs that allow students to test their knowledge and skills after reading a story or watching a demonstrative or informative short video. These activities allow for much needed practice of transferable skills that are specific to the individual learner's needs. They also provide feedback, in many cases immediate feedback allowing students to make adjustments or ask for help (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
One of my favorite ways to motivate students is through newsletters that include pictures of students actively learning. Taking that same idea and expanding the scope and reach would be to
showcase student work on a class website or blog. Here students could show their work off to family members all over the world. A blog would allow families and members of the school community to interact with students and provide additional positive reinforcement to help shape the students' behavior and learning.
Listed below is a short list of some websites that I have used and students have enjoyed or that have come highly recommended.
Examples of Behaviorism can be found in the relationship between achievement and effort. Students' achievement serves as the stimulus and effort serves as the response to the positive or negative reinforcement a student receives. Utilizing a rubric is another great way to help students make the connection between effort and achievement. A rubric shows students clear expectations of how students can demonstrate their learning. Rubrics allow students to see that their grades are not arbitrarily assigned. More importantly, tools such as rubrics help students to see that they are capable of owning their learning and that being smart or good in a subject is not solely attributed to outside forces (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
Working with students in after school activities to strengthen their academic abilities and encourage an engagement I find the ideas of the Behaviorist Learning Theory play a strong role in the activities that we choose to participate in. Learning activities that take place outside of the school day, whether it is homework, tutoring or independent investigation need to be more exciting and motivational than learning that takes place during the school day because the amount of stimulating activities to choose from are far greater once the final bell rings. Blending technology and positive reinforcement through educational and developmentally appropriate websites and computer based programs that allow students to test their knowledge and skills after reading a story or watching a demonstrative or informative short video. These activities allow for much needed practice of transferable skills that are specific to the individual learner's needs. They also provide feedback, in many cases immediate feedback allowing students to make adjustments or ask for help (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
One of my favorite ways to motivate students is through newsletters that include pictures of students actively learning. Taking that same idea and expanding the scope and reach would be to
showcase student work on a class website or blog. Here students could show their work off to family members all over the world. A blog would allow families and members of the school community to interact with students and provide additional positive reinforcement to help shape the students' behavior and learning.
Listed below is a short list of some websites that I have used and students have enjoyed or that have come highly recommended.
www.brainpopjr.com
is a subscription site featuring short movies and quizzes in math, science,
technology, health, art and more.
www.dreambox.com
is one of my personal favorites subscription based math sites.
www.readinga-z.com
is another of my favorites subscription based sites for reading comprehension.
www.starfall.com
is a great free reading site for young and inspiring readers.
I have started a trial membership with
www.abcmouse.com and www.jumpstart.com I will keep you posted on my findings.
These are just a few examples of how
positively reinforcing efforts can be used to teach students that their effort
and achievement are intertwined. If you have any other great sites, especially
free ones, please suggest away! As always I welcome your comments and warm
thoughts.
Kat
References
Learnng-Theories.com. (2014).
Behaviorism. Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/behaviorism
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M.
(2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria,
VA: ASCD.
What a great idea to include websites. There are several here that are going to be a great help in inspiring extra learning.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you can use some of these sites. Happy learning!
DeleteKat
Kat,
ReplyDeleteYou made a lot of great points in your post that I too made in my blog as well. It is most definitely nothing like praising students and getting them excited about showing their learning especially with the use of technology. I also loved how you talked about the educational websites that allow students to test their knowledge and skills. I also use many of the listed websites in my classroom and my students have really enjoyed them. Great post!!
Shanece,
DeleteThat is great to hear that you have used and benefited from some of these sites. I have found great success with starfall.com and kindergarteners.
Thanks,
Kat
Kat,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts about certificates providing recognition for effort and achievement. However, I question if certificates are overused. In recent years there has been a trend to recognize all students so that no one has their feelings hurt and feels recognized for their efforts. This is nice in theory but leads to difficulty later on. We have a promotion ceremony for our sixth graders because they are moving on to the middle school. Parents take this very seriously and even have graduation parties. During the ceremony, much like a graduation, each student's name is called followed by their accomplishments and recognitions. The students who receive only a "certificate of promotion" have a hard time with this along with their parents. They are so used to receiving awards for little to no effort that they are shocked when they do not. I think that we need to find a balance between recognizing students and prepare them for realistic expectations. They will not receive recognition in life, in their careers, for simply showing up or putting forth minimal effort.
Kelly
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteKelly,
DeleteGreat point. I can see how teachers and parents need to be cautious not to overly praise children. Praise can certainly be motivating but when it is expected for little to no reason then it takes away from the purpose and it takes away from the students who have earned the acknowledgement.
Thanks for your comment,
Kat
I also use many web sites to motivate students. Thanks for sharing some in this blog. You mentioned are a few that I haven't tried yet. I always like to have a wide variety of web sites the students can visit because I noticed they can easily lose interest in one if they are on it too much.
ReplyDeleteYou can also try:
scootpad.com. This is a free site but you can subscribe for extra options.
sumdog.com. This has many fun interactive math games and is free. If you subscribe you can get reading games.
spellingcity.com. This site is subscription based but is excellent for phonics and vocabulary practice.
Jason
Jason,
DeleteI have tried smugdog.com but never the subscription games. I might have to give it a try. Spellingcity.com sounds like something I can use. I agree that it is easy for students to lose interest when they get too comfortable with certain websites. Having a variety can add new dimensions to the curriculum.
Thank you for your suggestions,
Kat