Behaviorism-based Learning Resources:
- Classroom.JC-Schools.net
- Prentice Hall Social Studies Skills Tutor
- Keyboarding Practice
- WebMATH
- English Grammar 101
- DC Physics: Help for Physics Students
- Internet4Classrooms Tutorials
Two other areas we were also needed to consider were the ideas presented in chapters 8 (Reinforcing Effort) & 10 (Homework & Practice) of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski (2007). Technology can be used to make spreadsheets that the students can fill in with their grades from homework, quizzes or tests. I really loved the idea of using a comparison bar graph, that the student fill out, to show the amount of time (effort) spent on homework and the homework grades and the amount of time (effort) studying and the quiz grades. I think this is a wonderful idea to show the correlation between effort and achievement. When it comes to homework and practice, there are so many wonderful sites, like the ones listed above, that can be used in conjunction with classroom instruction. One site in particular that I like was the English Grammar 101. The student gets immediate feedback on the choices they make. It lets the student know not only if their answer is right or not, but gives them the correct answer. Now, don't get me wrong! I don't think these sites can take the place of the one on one interaction between a teacher and a student. However, I think these sites are great places to practice new skills, remediate poor skills or help ESL students. I don't believe behaviorist learning theories should be the only method used in the classroom, but in conjunction with others.
Behaviorism - it still has it's place in the classroom and technology will take this learning theory into the 21st century.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Posts
Denise,
ReplyDeleteI am an 8th grade language arts teacher. I am currently teaching one class where my students' ability falls within the average to above average range. However, this particular group of students do not seem to value education and are not motivated to learn and this is reflected in their effort and in their grade. I have used a variety of techniques throughout the year to try to motivate them and increase the effort they put forth in completing assignments and participating in class discussions. I have seen a small amount of progress with them. However, after reading about the strategy mentioned by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) of having students chart their effort within my class in relation to their rate of success, I am going to implement this as well in an effort to enhance the learning achieved by this group of students. I plan to create an effort rubric for the week that students will complete as a closing to Friday's lesson. Since I have only one student computer in my classroom, students will have an opportunity to rotate throughout Monday's lesson to the computer to chart their effort from the previous week and their current grade in my class. I am hoping that by doing this students will "change their beliefs and make a connection between effort and achievement" (Pitler et al., 2007, p.156). I am excited to implement this strategy with my class and hopefully see more of a passion for learning within my students. Of course, I welcome any suggestions you may have as well to continue to motivate my students and enhance their learning.
Heather Streb
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Please let me know how this works. This might be something I could use with the 6th graders I have in computer lab.
ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great point about when and how to use behaviorist methods in the classroom. I do have some hesitations about using many of the aspects of behaviorism we read about, but like you said, when used in conjuction with other theories and methods, behaviorism can still have a place in modern classrooms.
I wonder if I would have less hesitations if I taught older students. As I read through Heather's comment and your response, I can see how useful technology can be in making behaviorist methods work for students.
I think that the behaviorist method can be useful when attempting to teach basic behaviors. But socially and academically it limits a students understanding of the depth of the content.
ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteYou really have some wonderful ideas! I believe, like others, that there is not just one "good-fit" for all students. It takes a combination of various teaching methods to meet the wide variety of learning styles within our four walls.
You stated many ideas for graphing homework time/effort, technology based homework practice,... I teach in a small rural school district. Within my classroom, I have several students who do not have a home computer. Do you have this same problem? Any ideas on how to deal with this situation? Remember, these are usually the students who are in desperate need of additional practice and lacking academic skills and who miss my daily computer lab time, due to the fact that they are working with a reading specialist at this time.