Behaviorism:
Every time I think of behaviorism I think of the negative things attached to the word, like "retention". However, Dr. Orey brings up some awesome points on what behaviorism really is and how we use behaviorism in classroom today. First, off behaviorism is about modeling and reinforcing appropriate behavior. In my classroom, I am constantly modeling positive relationships with students and praising them when they make the "right choice", this is reinforicing positive behavior. I truly believe that in today's classroom there must be a classroom community, where students feel safe and part of a larger group, in this community positive behavior and relationship skills are built. All part of behaviorism.
Reinforcing Effort:
I am constantly reinforcing effort with my students, this goes right along with building relationships and encourage students to make good choices, when they do reinforce through "good jobs" and "way to go". For assignments and even tests, have students grade themselves, this way the students know EXACTLY what they did wrong and what they did right, allowing them another opportunity to learn and track their own ability. When we do projects I have my students fill out their own rubric and effort, did they try their best and put forth 100% effort, they are usually quite honest! Through this experience is teaches my students to be honest and trustworthy and to really look at themselves and think.
Homework and Practice:
Homework is designed to be done outside of the classroom. Children need to practice and practice at least 24 hours before really retaining the skill (Pitler, et al, 2007). Exposure to the concept in various form allows for the student to master to skills and put it into their long term memory. Sometimes it is difficult for students to do this without help from others, during the school day they must get help from their teacher and at night, they must get help from a parent, but what is no one is able to help them after school? I believe the more practice a student gets and even if they struggle through it they are learning and retaining the skill at some level. Technology allows for students to get immediate feedback and know exactly where they are in the learning process. But, it is important that they are monitered when using technology and know how to use it properly.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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3 comments:
I agree with you, Shiana, that the use of positive reinforcement is a staple in my classroom too. Kids love to be noticed and praised, for the most part. However, the Native Americans in our community do not like overt positive reinforcement, so modifications to this must be made.
Shaina,
I like how you have your students grade their own assignments and complete a rubric, before you grade the assignment. I feel that you are telling your students that their word means something and like you said, if gives your students the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. I also have my students do the same thing in 5th grade . It has proven to be very successful. We teach upper-elementary, but I wonder how successful it would be in lower-elementary?
Carey and Suzie,
Thank you very much for the comments. Carey- I do agree, different culture respond differently to praise, maybe for Native Americans you would want to just write the praise down and give it to them in the form of a card or note? Suzie, I think that assessing themselves is a powerful tool, I am not sure if younger students would be able to handle grading an entire test, but maybe just a few of the questions? I think starting small would be a good place to start.
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