Behaviorism
and Technology
When you think of behavior you tend
to think of a person's ways, personality, and their actions. But,
behaviorism is so much more to an educator. Just looking back, at B.F.
Skinner's "operant conditioning," you gain the sense that positive
actions reap positive reward and is encouraged. While, negative actions
reap consequences or punishment and is applied to deter negative
behavior.
When I was in grade school and very
much like today a lot of our procedures, rules, and routines are centered
around Behaviorism Learning Theory. I also remember that even in our
instruction and lesson activities my teachers would provide small rewards for
getting answers correct to reinforce learning to myself and other students.
Now in today's society a lot
has changed and even our views about learning has changed. Educators are
more apt to be a constructivist or even a constructionist in their approach to
teaching and student learning. I, personally, believe all forms of
learning can be beneficial. And, just like there is no one cure all, for
everything or even every student, you have to pick and choose at various points
which learning theory applies best.
In terms of technology, behaviorism
can go a long way in helping development. Computers and creative software
have made it possible for to gain a wealth of knowledge through interactive
activities and tutorials podcast. Much of this software affirms students
correct answers and challenges them as they move forward.
On the opposite end, for those
incorrect answers, it re-teaches and refreshes concepts and skills to help the
students learn.
As a teacher, when applying this
learning theory in your class several things must be taking place to develop
proficiency such as: learning must be
active, repetition is taking place, positive reinforcement is being used, and
learning is helped when objectives are sound.
Here are several sites that link behaviorism-based
learning resources to gain a better understanding of how it is used.
Hey Curtis! My views regarding learning theories continue to be more informed as we progress through our master's courses. Believing that I was a strong behaviorist I made a decision in course two that I would make a shift to try and implement more constructivist methods and strategies seeing its potential and benefits. After this week's readings and video, I have come to realize what you have pointed out; that "all forms of learning can be beneficial" and that "we must pick and choose at various points which learning theory applies best".
ReplyDeleteI have definitely garnered a greater appreciation for this learning theory and will be implementing the suggested strategies and at appropriate times to enhance positive academic behavior.
Hi Michelle, thank you for your post. I love the fact that you are a strong behaviorist. I am glad there is a place for us all in education because students need different approaches. Just like you, I am gaining more of a appreciation for behaviorism in the classroom. I definitely want to incorporate more strategies and activities in my class to strengthen my students' growth and development.
DeleteHey Curt!
ReplyDeleteUntil this week, if I were asked what theory I believe or follow Behaviorism would definitely not have been one that I named. However, after reading through and examining this theory in depth I now realize that I too use this within my classroom. The most common use of this theory I believe is behavior management and this is how I mostly use this theory within my classroom. Although, I now see that I have also used it when teaching my students about the states and capitals this past school year.
As educators many of us choose an approach that we believe will work best and we really don't think about what learning theory we are applying as long as it will be successful in getting the information across to our students. Like you mentioned in your post, we pick and choose the theories that work best within our classroom. The most important thing is our students success, it shouldn't matter which theory is most popular what matters is the success we have using that theory.
Aneta
Hi Aneta and Hi Curt,
DeleteYour observations about how behaviorism has "emerged" in your teaching philosophies is an idea that resonates deeply for me. The strongest takeaway for me this week is that behaviorism is, in one way or another, an important component of just about every theory of learning that is out there. Thanks for the links, and thanks also for sharing your perspectives on what is working for you. I am compiling a "go to" list that will help me hit the ground running in the fall.
Hi Aneta, thanks you for your comments. It's funny that you mentioned you were not aware of how often you used behaviorism. I was in the same position not realizing at various points I was using behaviorism. I think most often when people think of behaviorism it involves classroom management but obviously it's so much more. Drill and repetition definitely has a place in our education system when it comes to learning.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Curtis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the links you shared. They are enriching!
I agree with you that all learning theories are beneficial. Nowadays that classroom is composed of diverse students, I do believe that teachers should apply any types of learning theories depending on what would fit in her/his classroom.
Hi Ruel, thank you for your comments. I am glad you found the links worthwhile and beneficial. Over this course, if I come across any other links I will forward them to you. And, thank you again!
ReplyDelete