I have to be honest when I say that I agree that behaviorism belongs in today's schools. Whether we realize it or not, we all use some form of behaviorism in our teaching. I use a combination of positive reinforcement, consequences,and behavior modification. I have spent a lot of time with my mentors and learned a lot about behaviorism from watching them. Dr. Orey stated, "human behavior is learned" (2001, p.1). This is true as our students learn from us as well as their mistakes.
The Reinforcing Effort strategy relates to the behaviorist learning theory. People gain success through their effort. This week's learning resources state the importance of effort and achievement; therefore, the effort put forth is based on what that person chooses to do in order to achieve success. I have always believed that I have to work hard to achieve success. I have never had anything handed to me and have always worked hard for everything that I have.
The Homework and Practice strategy also relates to the behaviorist learning theory. Students are given homework as remediation; therefore, they must apply what they learned at school into their homework. The rewards involved include successful learning and better grades. When I was in high school, I went through a stage when I did not want to do my homework. My grades that semester were not the greatest! Homework is the time for students to show what they have learned.
The technology resources correlate to the instructional strategies and behaviorism because they are used to reinforce what the students have learned. Behaviorists believe that external stimuli causes a behavior. In this situation, the technology resources would play the role as the external stimuli. The resources help to evaluate what the students have learned.
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You thoughts on homework made me think of a teacher that I work with. A lot of the times she will give homework to first graders that she did not get to cover during the day. Homework, as you stated, is to continue the learning they already had...not introduce something new. I would think doing work at home that you never learned in class would be frustrating. I like the idea of this theory making homework another part of remediation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on effort and success. I often relate to my high school students who struggle with effort (and this usually is reflected in their grades)that without effort in ANYTHING they do, they will not succeed. I try to find what they are interested in, whether it be sports or music or art, etc. and ask them if they practice their craft. Do they practice free throw shots? Guitar lessons? Drawing classes? What does their effort look like in those arenas? Would they be able to do as well as they are in those activities without practicing, without effort? Then we switch the scene to what does effort look like in the classroom? This has helped many of my students understand that success does not come without a good deal of effort.
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ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine assigning homework to my students based on something that has not been taught. The young ones get so upset as it is, they would lose it! I do send homework home weekly, but it is strictly to teach responsibility and to review our learning for the week.