Behaviorism in Practice

I do believe that there is still a place for behavioral learning theories in the classroom. I also believe that these theories should be implemented in appropriate places. Two intructional strategies described in the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, reinforcing effort and homework and practice, do not directly support the theory of behaviorism.
I feel that a behavioral approach to instruction, is based upon remedial drill and practice. In the chapter that discusses reinforcing effort, it describes using technology as a tool to help students see the correlation between effort and achievment through tools such as spreadsheets. The authors describe various ways of using spreadhseets to record data in a way that provides a visual for students to see how their achievements reflect their efforts. I think it is always beneficial to involve students in their own learning and hold them accountable for their efforts. Unfortunately I feel that many of the strategies described would be difficult for me to use in my kindergarten classroom. I thought is was interesting reading about the homework practice and how it relates to using technology. Again, I do not think that many of the strategies described are supportive of behaviorism, nor do I think these types of homework practices should be. Using technology such as computers are a great way to extend and foster many skills learned in the classroom and teachers should consider the benefits that extend far from simple word processing. Using multimedia applications for commincation or research can produce limitless success in learning. Again though, I feel at this point in the year it would be difficult for me to even adapt these ideas for the kindergarten classroom.
I really enjoyed reading chapters 8 and 10 in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. I feel strongly about behavioral learning theories being acceptable to use when done so appropriately. In both chapters, instructional strategies that were described would not be considered as supporting such theories, however I do not think that fact eliminates the validity of implementing it at other times or in other areas of instruction.

Sarah Horner





References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program four. Behaviorist Learning Theory [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.Baltimore: Author.