Behaviorism assumes a learner is essentially passive, responding to environmental stimuli. The learner starts off as a clean slate and behavior is shaped through positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement. Both positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement increase the probability that the antecedent behavior will happen again (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2009). Since the behaviorist theory studies the behaviors that can be directly observed, therefore using technology with classroom instruction can help teachers in having practical and immediately applicable solutions for their classrooms.
According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007), not all students realize the importance of believing in effort (p. 155). Technology can help students to keep a track of their effort and achievement using spreadsheet software, and then to make the connection between effort and achievement using the chart and see the relation between their effort and grades they earned on the tests. “Students need consistent and systematic exposure to teaching strategies like this one in order to really grasp the impact that effort can have on their achievement (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007. p. 159). The use of technology this way is supporting the instructional strategy of reinforcing effort, and also supporting the principles of behaviorist learning theory.
Technology correlates with the principles of behaviorist learning theory in a variety of aspects. Using Word spelling and grammar tool in a Word processing software gives an immediate feedback to the student on the his/her writing, which may be classified as a reinforcement in case the student does not find spelling or grammar mistakes. Other examples of technologies that give an immediate feedback for homework and practice are the Power Point games and the online games. The Battleship board was used before to improve students’ basic graphing skills, but using the Power Point version of this game will attract the students even more. Another game I used with my Calculus class earlier this year is the Calculus Millionaire online game, the students were really engaged, and they did not realize that they are reviewing what they have learned. I believe that the use of these types of games has an impact on improving the students’ skills, and they learn more when they make mistakes.
Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2009, May). Behaviorism at Learning-Theories.com. Retrieved May 13th, 2009 from http://www.learning-theories.com/behaviorism.html
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Hi Joe. Don't you love sneaking education into online games? It's almost like sneaking veggies in pizza! Students get so engaged in the game that they actually forget that they are learning something. I wish that games were created for all different types of subjects because SS is seriously lacking much of the time.
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteI like your insight and thoughts here. I especially like how you have your students learning and reviewing material through learning software they are already familiar with. Between their instructor (you), the text book, and these learning programs, you are appleaing to several of the learning styles. This is great for mathematics. I have seen some programs like this for my sixth grade language arts classes that review and assess language and parts of speech.
Nice ideas here, thanks for your input.
Joe, I also see games as an effective learning tool. It is amazing how much expertise my students demonstrate when learning through computer games. They display so much creativity. They teach me. They are able to create their own game environments, characters, and rules. My daughter, who will be a senior in high school next fall, wants to be an architect. She has been playing a computer game called Sims for years which I believe has led to her interest for her future. She built homes, created families, and had to budget the costs. I remember one time she wanted to add a built-in pool to one of her homes and needed to cut the cost of something else just to afford it. It was a constructive tool for creativity and problem solving for her. I do not believe that all games are appropriate of course, but there are so many excellent games for learning.
ReplyDeleteKristin
Joe,
ReplyDeleteDid you use Quia (www.quia.com) to create the Calculus Millionaire game or did you find one online?
I really like that you brought up the point that sometimes, students learn more when they make mistakes! I tell that to my 7th-graders ALL the time! When we review homework or quizzes, I first ask who got it right, then ask who got it wrong, but knows WHY they got it wrong. From those students, I choose one or two to explain what they did wrong and what they should have done instead. I bring up the guts it takes to admit your mistake and how much more they have learned because they can spot that mistake and avoid it next time!
Deana
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI like your point of how something as simple as Microsoft Word's spelling and grammar check is an example of behaviorism. I believe this caters wonderfully to today's learners as well, who seem to have the need of instant gratification. Also, your use of technological learning games is an engaging way to assess learning, as well as reinforce it. My fifth graders love when we review by playing "Math Jeopardy" or even using a template I found online for "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" Again, the immediate feedback is reinforcing their learning, which, as you pointed out, is clearly behaviorism.
Arielle, Paul, Kristin, Bulldog Pride, and Rachel, thank you all for your comments. I agree with all of you that using technological learning games is a wonderful resource for reviewing. I think that most of us did not have the pleasure of using them when we were students. But we have to be careful when we choose to use those games as Kristin mentioned because not all of them are appropriate.
ReplyDeleteBulldog Pride, No, I did not use (quia.com), the game was pre-made. However this website looks interesting when I looked at it, I will definitely consider it in the future. Thank you.