Behaviorist learning theory still has a place in today’s classroom. I still witness and sometimes make use of rewards and punishment in myself in my own classroom. In a system of this nature, according to Orey, students are given a reward for correct and appropriate behavior and a punishment for inappropriate behavior. I believe the degree of punishment should be tied to the degree of misbehavior that takes place on the part of the student. Taking recess away for talking in class or for running in the hallway is not very effective, in my opinion. It is our place, as teachers, to teach what is expected and to always be consistent.
Dr. Orey commented on a behavior system that is used in his own son’s classroom. It utilizes a moving clip to let students know where they stand in terms of their behavior. Some teachers feel that this visual reminder is important for the students. I believe that this is a difficult system for the teacher to track. It also can create too much negativity for a student that often finds himself in trouble. For these reasons, I do not use a behavior system of this nature in my classroom. Instead, I have learned other techniques to get my students to behave well and do what is expected of them in my classroom.
I start with working to get them to understand the meaning of the word ‘respect.’ Since I believe you have to give respect in order to receive it, I treat my students just like I want them to treat me. I also do a lot of modeling and procedure practice with the kids. Since I teach Kindergarten, I usually end up spending the first month just working on procedures and practicing appropriate behavior for school.
When putting technology into lessons, the behaviorist learning theory can be particularly effective. A good example would be with drill and practice. It is important to do things several times to help the kids pick up on it. Without adequate practice, they will not fully learn and understand the subject. An example of drill and practice that is effective would be the tutorial programs that come with most computer software. Most students make a connection to programs like this because they (at least at the age level I teach) see computers as fun and rewarding.
I think the behaviorist theory will be used for quite some time. While I have only mentioned a few examples here, I am sure every teacher has his or her own perspective on the theory and how it is best implemented in today’s classrooms.
References:
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Laureate Education, Inc. (Behaviorist Learning Theory). (2011). Bridging learnin
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ReplyDeleteHi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteI so agree with this:
"I start with working to get them to understand the meaning of the word ‘respect.’ Since I believe you have to give respect in order to receive it, I treat my students just like I want them to treat me. I also do a lot of modeling and procedure practice with the kids. Since I teach Kindergarten, I usually end up spending the first month just working on procedures and practicing appropriate behavior for school."
Students learn so much from models--(even from TV characters they watch)---and even if they don't demonstrate that learning immediately, they have encoded it. If we model a respectful style of interaction, they are going to see this and learn from it--they will come to appreciate the secure, supportive classroom they have.
(Sorry I had to delete my previous posting--I had a typo.)
Carrie,
ReplyDeleteI disagree with you that the "flip-a-card" is difficult to track. I actually find that it is a quick, simple consequence to negative behavior. It stops the behavior without much more than a sentence of "that's not appropriate. Go flip your card". The consequences don't go beyond informing the parents of the color of their card each day via a color splotch (bingo blotters are great). Then when report cards go home, parents are not taken by surprise with their students behavior in the classroom. I also counter that with positive reinforcement. I use "Star Bucks" to immediately reward something good that I see, and the students can use their Star Bucks at the "store" each Friday. Between the two systems, the students know what behavior is expected and rewarded.
I do like how you work so hard on the concept of respect with your students. I feel like I'm STILL working on that with my second graders. I'm not convinced they will completely understand it before the end of the year. . . they are a rather stubborn group!
~Colleen
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteI understand and agree that everyone has their own opinion and ways to track behavior. I personally never liked the system when I used it. For me and the groups of kids I have had it was not effective. I do however inform my parents of their childs behavior on a daily basis so they are aware and not surprised when report cards come home.
I agree, the respect thing is very difficult to teach. That is why I like to get it started right off in Kindergarten so that way when they do get to 2nd grade hopefully some of it will carry over with them. Unfortunately, it does not always work that way though. There are always those few that are very tough and we do woneder if it will ever work.
Thanks for your post.
Carri