There are many learning strategies
that correlate with behaviorist theory. Behaviorist
theory is woven into the practice of repetition and homework. Technology is a tool that is used in both of
these practices.
James Hartley (Smith, 1999) claimed
that in order for learning to take place a skill must be practiced frequently
and in different contexts. This concept
of repetition was demonstrated very nicely on the Prentice
Hall Social Studies Skills Tutor website. This site is a great example of
repetition. For every skill there are
two levels of practice. Each level has
the same exact progression: learn,
practice, apply. If a student were to
progress through each of these concepts they would be exposed to a specific
skill six times in a different capacity.
Another
aspect of behaviorism is the notion of activity. Smith (1999) claimed that when a student is
active in the learning process the learning will be better. When students are
active in the learning process there are more opportunities for them to be
recognized for their efforts. Though
recognition does not automatically lend its way to academic results it does
raise a child’s self-esteem which generally leads to improved academic
performance (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012). My students use the website www.learning.com to practice their
typing. This is a great program that
allows my students to be active in the process as they learn how to touch
type. When my students reach certain
milestones in the program they receive a certificate. My students love to receive their certificates. It gives them a sense of accomplishment.
Repetition is also frequently used
during homework. Pitler, Hubbell, and
Kuhn (2012) claim that in order for practice to be effective it must be
overt. When my students are practicing their
states and capitals I typically have them practice them differently each
day. One day I may have the write the
assigned states 10 times each, another day I may require my students to use
their flashcards to quiz themselves, and lastly I might incorporate technology
and lead my students YouTube video like Tour the States or have
them play a game such as Stack the States.
In each of these activities my students are receiving the repetition of
practicing their states, but the way that they are practicing is different each
time.
These are just a few ways that
elements of behaviorism can be combined with learning strategies. When planning a lesson regardless of the
learning theory it is important to keep the needs of students a top
priority.
References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using
technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.).
Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Smith, K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning.
In The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from http://infed.org/mobi/the-behaviourist-orientation-to-learning/
David -
ReplyDeleteThe Prentice Hall web site sounds like a well-designed place for students to practice social studies skills. When and how do you use this in your classroom? How often do students use it and how do you monitor what they are doing and whether it's helping them?