Behaviorism in Practice

This week, I had the opportunity to learn of several instructional strategies that embed technology. I found several of these strategies very interesting and believe that they could help my students be more successful. Many of these strategies correlate with the principles of behaviorist learning theory.

One of the greatest challenges that I face in the classroom is demonstrating to students that effort pays off. It seems as though some students do not see the correlation between effort and achievement and may even perceive failure before they have begun. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) point out that “effort is the most important factor in achievement” (p. 155). The relationship between effort and achievement can be taught to students by having them compile self evaluations of their effort onto a spreadsheet. This can then be compared to the grade that was earned. The data can be easily created into a chart that provides the students with a visual representation of the relationship between effort and achievement. This strategy aligns closely with behaviorism as the data serves as the stimulus to promote the desired response of greater effort. Many students may be motivated to put forth more effort when they can see the connection between effort and achievement.

Another instructional strategy that correlates with the behaviorist theory is the use of homework and practice. The effective use of homework can provide students with an opportunity to develop and utilize the skills and knowledge they are gaining in the classroom. Marzano, Pickering, and Pollock point out that “students need about 24 practice sessions with a skill in order to achieve 80 percent competency” (as cited in Pitler et al., 2007, p. 188). The web is full of resources that can be utilized by students at home to develop skills or in the classroom to enrich a lesson. There are multiple tutorials, lessons, and quizzes that students can use to practice their skills. One of the sites that I have used to provide practice for students in developing skills with reading the ruler is The Ruler Game. Many of these resources provide instant feedback to the learner. Reinforcement often comes in the form of an X for incorrect answers or the term correct and wrong. Some of them provide access to more challenging levels upon successfully completing lower ones. While many of these activities can be a fun way for students to develop skills, I would use them as enrichment to the lesson.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA:ASCD.