So for those of you who are unfamiliar with what a behaviorist approach to teaching is, think of B.F. Skinner or Ivan Pavlov. I am sure those names bring back some college memories. These men, along with others, believed that “changes in behavior result from stimulus-response associations made with the learner (Standridge, 2002, p.7).” Therefore, they developed a theory that children learn as a result of actions or stimuli. In today’s classroom behaviorist theories are being used by teachers as a way to manage student behavior and as a technology teaching tool. I personally use a behavior management system in my classroom as a way to help my students display the desirable behavior for following our class rules. As Dr. Standrige explains “the entire rationale of behavior modification is that most behavior is learned. If behaviors can be learned, then they can also be unlearned or relearned (2002, p.7).” By having set consequences in place my students can thrive in the classroom. The second way I use behaviorism in my classroom is through the use of technology. As Dr. Michael Orey (Laureate Education Inc., 2011) explained in the video this week programed instruction, or the online tutorial, is being used for many purposes. It is where a source presents a small amount of information, asks guiding questions, then the system gives feedback. I use this strategy often when teaching my students new concepts or after showing them a short video clip. I like to create SMART board lessons that are interactive because it really increases student engagement. Overall I would say that behaviorist learning theories do still have a place in today’s classrooms always will. Here is a copy of my behavior chart:
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program four: Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Standridge, M.. (2002). Behaviorism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <insert date>, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Every teacher wants a classroom to run smoothly so we can present our lessons without having to deal with behavioral issues. So if a student demonstrates behavior that is not conducive to this, we correct it until it becomes a learned behavior. Yes this does seem to be a little like Pavlov's dogs but students love to get things right. Correcting negative behavior and replacing with positive behavior demonstrates to a student how they can change and adapt to become better and more focused learners.
ReplyDeleteYour behavior chart is a great visual example that is out in the open for all students to see how their behavior is compared to their classmates and a constant reminder of what behavior is expected of them.
My middle school students are a little old for behavior charts, but I do give them a "Think Sheet" if they present an unacceptable behavior where they have to answer questions about why they chose to act that way and who it might have affected. If it is really unacceptable behavior, I have the students take it home to have their parents sign it.
Using technology as a behavioral tool to practice an objective interactively makes the task more engaging and interesting than just writing or reciting. A smartboard exercise is a great tool to utilize this learning theory.
I love the idea of the think sheet you use with your middle schoolers. Can you tell me a little more about it? After a student completes it do you have a mini conference with them to talk about the paper?
ReplyDeleteChelsea Blasius Lewis
I think it was Dr. Wolfe who mentioned that babies are born with exceptional language skills, but the word “momma” became the official first word because when babies say the word, they received so many positive reactions. So the conclusion is that we have the innate ability to display the desire behavior as the result of stimuli.
ReplyDeleteI like your behavior system using clips. For one thing, it is so clear to the students of what is expected and where you what them to be: a sunny day. The other thing is all the wonderful art associating the weather with behavior. I also saw teachers use the color card system and students pull a card for each infraction. Others write students’ names on the board while a few teachers use the traditional gold star method. I myself had experienced with a number of behavior management system but in the end, I used the token economy system for the last 5 years with wonderful results.
All these system work or fail depending on how the teacher manages it. I have experienced students who pulled their cards every day and still do not care about what they do. We need to have a good reinforcements/consequences system, be fair, be consistent, and stand by it in order for it to work.
Kim-Anh,
ReplyDeleteI agree that many behavior systems work or fail depending on many variables. In my first year of Kindergarten I went through a few systems until I found one that the children responded to and I felt was manageable. I think it is important to be willing to change it depending on the situation and the students in your class. I like the idea of the token economy system. Is it like class money where when they get enough they are able to use it towards purchasing things?
Chelsea Blasius Lewis
Chelsea,
ReplyDeleteThe think sheet has 3 basic questions- What did student do or say?- Why they chose to do it?- Who was affected by their behavior and choice?
I'll review answers, I'll meet with them briefly and sometimes I'll question their responses and make them rethink their comments, and then
they'll sign and date.
Hope this helps, it does tend to make them think about their actions more.
Thanks Cindy!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Even at the high school level we have to deal with keeping the behaviors in check. Argue all you want about the pros or cons of reinforcing good behaviors. Anyone who has spent five minutes in an out of control classroom will tell you that is no way to learn. Fortunately, our wonderful elementary and middle school teachers are doing a good job in training. As a high school teacher I typically have fewer behavior issues to deal with. When I have to have a "talk" with a student, I typically give them a chance to explain and then let them tell me what they should have done. By having them give me the lecture instead of the other way around, I have fewer repeat performances.
ReplyDeleteChelsea,
ReplyDeleteYes, I use class money as both a classroom management system and also have students actively learning how to manage their "finance". Plus it's really fun.