Behaviorism in Practice

         

            Behaviorism offers up two primary mechanisms of operant conditioning, the most powerful is reinforcement. On the other hand, punishment introduces unwanted consequences. Skinners Operant conditioning is called program instruction. Learning can be controlled, and results in shaping behavior through  to response patterns. Behaviorism is the perfect learning theory for using technology. Look at all these content areas that behaviorism can influence in technology. Students can attend class online, get certified, learn a trade, fix their car on their own, just a few examples that behaviorism can relate with technology integration. As an educator using the behaviorist theory, one would simply motivate students by reinforcing behaviors to tune in learning. The internet offers this by having interactions and involving decision making through portals and queries. These mechanisms are a powerful strategy for helping people learn. CMS and LMS can have templates or constructed to meet the same learning conditions seen in the theory. I use a flash card app which contains a bevy of games that offers such rewards and reinforcement. Students in my tutoring class can be shaped by the apps I present to them and shape their learning through the bells and whistles the rewards offer through the Ipad. Technology integration undoubtedly correlates to instructional strategies as well as behaviorism. Although I am in a foreign country, behaviorism is widely accepted as a normal method of teaching. Students have mastered the use of the smartphone; however I believe they are capable of so much more if they had more access to technology.           

reinforcement of stimulus

            Homework is another type of component of the behaviorist learning theory. Drill and practicing were brought up in this week’s discussion and it seems to have its many naysayers, and some that see it as vital to early development, and with language. Dr. Orey states that Drill and practice play an important role in the behaviorist theory, and that it is important in order to move on to the next part of the learning. At its best, homework can provide opportunities for students to familiarize themselves with new concepts as well as to practice, review, and apply what they’ve learned. It provides opportunities for them to deepen their understanding of the content and to gain proficiency with their skills, and extends learning beyond the classroom walls. (Pitler, 2012, p. 167) In my work, there is no homework, but repetition and drill is maintained through use of an English Note. This is a notebook that student use to practice their writing skills in English, and to write down words and vocabulary in definition. This type of learning is repetitive, as they write the words more than once. They learn by writing and repeating the term, so that it holds some relevance to what they are doing.            

            One academic goal of the entire country here is to master the English language. This is especially important for young children as prestigious colleges require English speaking exams prior to entry. It has become important here as a result the natives are now teaching each other. However, they lack the mastery of the language, and have the utmost of trouble when holding a simple conversation. Ultimately that should be an important goal to strive for. When addressing the English language here, it is split into, grammar, listening, speaking, phonetics, writing, and understanding. These are the components that they deemed necessary for learning. Some students spend countless hours in a particular area in relation to their knowledge in the subject. I feel that online and constant use of technology should not be a substitution of classroom instruction. I mentioned this numerous times in my earlier course. I'll refresh here as I was the first instructor to use the Ipad to teach out “morning class”. Subsequently, as a result of the positivity I was seeing through the children and teachers, my co teacher decided to take up the helm of her. She started to use her own Ipad, some 5 to 6 months later after watching my classes. It seemed flattering at first, now I am noticing that she shows the students various English speaking videos, and kids’ songs. It is infuriating to me to watch her simply hold up the Ipad and offer no pauses, or interaction with the students. I intend to speak to her on the matter and remind her that my degree in instructional design and hers is simply in Russian literature. If the use of technology is to be successful, it needs to be supplanted with breaks in between and reminders that students are there to learn. It is positive that all things shown on the tablet are educationally related, but the teacher must fluidly deliver it, and know when and where to pause to bring out some classical behaviorism theories and operant conditioning. Learning is helped when objectives are clear. Those who look to behaviorism in teaching will generally frame their activities by behavioral objectives (Smith, 1999).

     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.e            college.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Pitler, Howard, and Elizabeth Ross Hubbell. "Assigning Homework and Providing Practice."       Using technology with classroom instruction that works. 2nd ed. Alexandria, Va.:      Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2012. 167. Print.

Smith, M. K. (1999) ‘The behaviourist orientation to learning’, the encyclopedia of informal         education.

Standridge, M. (n.d.). Behaviorism. - Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and    Technology. Retrieved May 9, 2014, from      http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Behaviorism