Behaviorism in Practice
Dr. Michael Orey stated in the video
segment Behaviorist Learning Theory that some experts
say behaviorism is dead (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2011).
He stated that behaviorism is used every day in everything that we do (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Dr. Michael Orey also stated in the video segment Behaviorist Learning Theory that reinforcement is
more powerful than punishment.
From
the book, Using Technology With Classroom
Instruction That Works in terms of providing recognition, some research has
shown praise and recognition can have negative effects on intrinsic motivation (Hubbell,
Kuhn, Pitler, 2012). While other
research shows praise and recognition can have a direct and positive impact on
effort, persistence, and motivation. (Hubbell, Kuhn, Pitler, 2012) I teach second grade, and I agree with Dr.
Orey, reinforcement is more powerful than punishment. Praise and recognition can go a long way in
second grade. For example, I had a
second grader last year who lived one week with mom and the next week with
dad. This situation had a very negative
affect on her academically in first grade.
She started second grade on a first grade reading level. I believe consistent recognition and praise
provided a spark that carried her through second grade and she ended second
grade on a third grade reading level.
The
book Using Technology With Classroom
Instruction That Works stated that research shows there are mixed feeling
about the effectiveness and importance of homework (Hubbell, Kuhn, Pitler, 2012). Some research says homework provides an
opportunity to practice, review, and apply what they have learned in class (Hubbell,
Kuhn, Pitler, 2012). Other research says
they have found no positive relationship between homework and achievement (Hubbell,
Kuhn, Pitler, 2012). In my second grade class,
I assign homework nightly. They have one
page of reading, one page of math, and one spelling word activity. For my students it is usually the difference between
an A or an F on their spelling test. Students who complete their nightly
spelling homework are usually the students who perform well on their spelling
test. Students who chose not to do their
spelling homework correlate with the students who fail their weekly exam.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011).
Program four: Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved
from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Val,
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though the research is split on the topics of this week. Behaviorist theory seems to have been thrown to the side in favor of other learning theories recently, but the evidence is still there that states, as you mention, that positive reinforcement is effective. I agree that homework is an effective way to demonstrate behaviorist actions in the classroom, as it correlates directly to the action/outcome approach. If we want students to polish skills, they have to practice them and be rewarded when they perform well. This is behaviorist theory at it's core!
Jessica