When discussing the instructional strategy, “Reinforcing
Effort,” Pitler, Hubbell, and Malenosk
(2007) provided a saying that really stuck with me. They offered that “success
comes in cans; failure in can’ts” (p. 155). Enforcing this mentality when
students are trying to succeed will improve their chances threefold. Additionally,
teaching students about the importance of effort and tracking this effort will
enhance operations as well. The other strategy, “Homework and Practice,” also enhances
student performance because it gives them a chance to review and apply what they
learned during the regular school day.
Both of these strategies relate to the behaviorist
learning theory because behaviorist relies on reinforcement. Dr. Orey and Smith (1999) discussed B. F. Skinner’s view of
the behaviorist learning theory where operant conditioning means either
reinforcing good behavior or punishing bad behavior. Moreover, the
reinforcement aspect is most desirable. Therefore, the basis of their definition
involved reinforcement. Also, Dr. Orey offered how Skinner proposed programmed
instruction in a behaviorist learning environment. Therefore, one of the
technologies that was introduce in this week’s resources was the online tutorials
that are currently appropriate and
effective in helping students master the no child left behind requirements.
Well, these drill and practice, remediation, and traditional tutorial programs correlate
to the “Reinforcing Effort” and “Homework and Practice” strategies because both
of these strategies use reinforcement as their mainstay.
Course Media: “ Behaviorist Learning Theory” by Dr. Michael Orey.
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
Hi Craig,
ReplyDeleteI really liked that quote as well. Experiencing success CAN make a real difference to a student, and understanding that they CAN do something specific to achieve that success is a critical life skill.
I agree with you; it is the reinforcement that is key to the success of these strategies, and that certainly follows Skinner's teaching.
Lisa
Thanks Lisa!! Yes, reinforcement is the word that really stood out in the readings.
ReplyDeleteCraig
Hey Craig,
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Lisa, it is so critical to focus on the CAN. It can be so easy to focus on the negative things going on the classroom (behavior of students, lack of resources, lack of motivation, etc). However, that does nothing for our students! Teaching is much more fun when we focus on what we and our students CAN do. Instead of getting frustrated with students that make poor choices, I try to focus on the students that did the right thing. The recognition and praise they gets makes them happy and it helps me focus on the positive.
Do you have any on-line tutorial programs that you use in your classroom? I teach special education and so many of my students are at different levels. If I am working one on one with a student, I like to have options for my other students. I would like to hear of any great programs you are using!
Hi Craig,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post this week about reinforcement. Reinforcement is so important to consistently follow in classrooms today because it provides students with a support and reassuring information from what that they have already learned. I know when I participated in homework activities growing up, they always helped me retain the information I was being taught.