Behaviorism in Education
Even though Behaviorism has been
negatively view in education it has and continues to be used in a variety of positive
ways. The premise of the behaviorist
approach is to identify behaviors for a specific stimulus and given the
appropriate reinforcement for the action (Smith, 1999). A major component of the approach is to give
clear, concise, and immediate feedback to exhibited behaviors. I basically equate this educational style to
the same way I would train a dog. When
appropriate behaviors are shown I give positive reinforcement to promote the
continued use of the behavior. In this
week’s readings there were to strategies that support a behaviorist approach, they
are reinforcing effort, homework, and practice (Pitler, 2007). The practice of reinforcing effort is a major
portion of behaviorism. If properly
managed, using this technique can change students’ perspectives on learning and
give them courage to try harder (Pitler, 2007). Students often lack to see the importance of
effort and can learn to understand how it plays a large role in education
(Pilter, 2007). Homework and practice
also support behaviorism in that students need to practice skills more than
twenty times to be proficient in the skill (Pitler, 2007). Practice gives students the ability to
continually work out skills that are carefully reinforced falls under the
Behaviorism paradigm.
There are many forms of technology that
can help these two strategies promote learning under the Behaviorist
approach. Examples of how technology can
be used are word processor applications, spreadsheets, multimedia, and other
web resources (Pitler, 2007). If
students need to practice skills in typing there are many applications that can
foster growth in accuracy and speed.
These programs challenge students achieve a higher proficiency as well
as give immediate feedback on performance.
Spreadsheets can also be used to practice mathematical and graphing
skills. The practice of using this
technology can give students more confidence in their abilities to manipulate
numbers. Multimedia, in its various
forms, can also promote learning under Behaviorism. Interactive programs can promote growth and positive
attitudes by rewarding students in the form of learning games. With proper implementation, these
technologies will allow students to become proficient in many skills and lead
toward a positive outlook on learning.
References:
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with
classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Smith,
K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of
informal education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
Jason,
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree that students require immediacy of proper reinforcement coupled with specific and concise guidelines; otherwise, teachers will not be able to maximize opportunities of effective student learning. I teach eighth grade English and meet with my students every other day. One major challenge is maintaining that connection with students when they return to class after seeing them two days before. When students return, it is vital that the day's agenda outlines what students will know, understand, and be able to do. Expectations need to be clear and concise and students need to go through this "debriefing" process in order to understand what this successful behavior is. Students perform better when they know exactly what is expected of them. Moreover, adding positive reinforcement helps to solidify the desired behavior.
For example, when students arrive, they begin performing routine behaviors, e.g., greet each other, sit in seats, pull out homework and agendas, copy down new homework, read the day's agenda and begin writing warm ups. At this time, if anyone is "off" the expected behavior, it is my responsibility to immediately refocus that student back to the desired behavior. If that student does not respond accordingly, I then remind him/her about consequences for not getting back on track. For the most part, most students get back on track. For those who refuse or take too long, steps to consequences are activated. The Behaviorist approach is a necessary part of learning. It provides organization and sets up the environment for effective learning to take place.
Good post,
Jean Filemu