Behaviorist theory is something that Lever-Duffy and McDonald (2008) define as, “learning which is viewed as a response to external stimuli.” What this really means is that students learn through stimulus and response. Behaviorists also believe that students learn through rewards and punishments. Because of an action, they are either rewarded or punished and then the behavior is supposed to be corrected or reproduced. In this week’s learning resources, we read about ways to integrate technology into learning. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) say that, “Homework and practice give students a chance to review and apply what they have learned.” Through homework and practice, the students can then really begin to understand the content and become more comfortable with the materials.
One way that this week’s learning resources correlate with the principles of the behaviorist learning theory is through tutorial instruction. Dr. Orey (2007) talked about how a quick tutorial online can begin a stimulus response for students to begin lesson work. In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, they showed a problem about parabolas that I could use in my classroom in order to show quadratic functions on the computer in Excel. Using this program in class could motivate the students to want to learn about it more because it is using technology as a stimulus to the unit. Using review games such as a PowerPoint are also a form of stimulus along with the rewards from winning the review games.
References:
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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I like how you mapped the technology of excel for math problems. It is interesting how many of the tools stated in this week's resources are easy to adapt to many different curriculums.
ReplyDeleteI do have a question for you though. Since math is a right and wrong subject, do you find teaching techniques difficult to adapt for your class? If so, what are you main concerns? I enjoyed your post. Take care and I look forward to hearing back from you.
I definitely struggle finding techniques to adapt for the class. The hardest thing for me is the lack of technology resources in the certain classrooms that I am in. My biggest concern is getting through to each one of my students, which is also difficult with 25-30 in a class... It is a struggle, but every year seems to get easier and I kind of make up my own way as I go.
ReplyDeleteLack of access to technology would definitely be a problem or at least something to overcome. I applaud your effort and positive attitude. The best teachers in my school are the ones that can adapt and make the most out of what they have available to them.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteI had never considered that the technology itself is a behaviorist stimulus for students until this course. I had always figured that by getting the instant results from technology, students were being stimulated. You brought up a good point that just by introducing technology in math, the students are stimulated and engaged and therefore, motivated because it is something new and interesting.
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteI also have found that the use of technology can be a great stimulus to a unit of study. I am fairly new to technology, but am trying very hard to utilize my smartboard to "hook" my students' interest and make them want to become more actively involved in learning.
I think we all struggle with reaching all of our students. Being aware of that need is half the battle! Too many teachers that I know have given up on those who are hard to reach. It's so unfortunate. Good for you that you continue to work hard in reaching all of your students!
The quick tutorial is a great of example of behaviorist principals at work. On an elementary school level the content would of course be different, but I believe excel is an excellent tool to allow students to track their perceived effort in relation to the classroom success. I think students would be motivated by the use of technology in this way, and I believe the process itself has its own stimuli built in. I think students are ready for technology integration and are simply waiting for the schools to provide the tools and the teachers to provide the appropriate activities.
ReplyDelete