Behaviorist Instructional Strategies

          "In defining behavior, behaviorist learning theories emphasize changes in behavior that result from stimulus-response associations made by the learner." (Orey, 2001) Today, there are still instructional strategies that many educations use in the classroom that correlate with the behaviorist learning theory. Educators use many methods to control behavior within the classroom. "Contracts, consequences, reinforcement, extinction, and behavior modification" are all examples of behaviorist applications used in the classroom. (Orey, 2001) Teachers use these strategies to ensure that their classrooms run smoothly and effectively. However, behavior management should not be the only reason for the use of the behaviorist learning theory.

            "The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning."(Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 155)  The attitudes and beliefs about effort and learning that students have were acquired through repetition and a behaviorist approach. This strategy is a clear example of how behaviorist principles can still be used in today's classrooms. One way that students can change their outlook and attitude is by tracking effort on a spreadsheet, as done by Ms. Powell, a fifth grade teacher. (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007)  Behavior and effort go hand in hand. This teacher had her students track their effort by referring to a rubric and then compare their grades to their effort score. This activity would allow students to see if their grade was impacted by how much effort they put into their work. This was a four week long project developed by Ms. Powell to show her students that effort and achievement are co-dependent.  "Students need consistent and systematic exposure to teaching strategies like this one in order to really grasp the impact that effort can have on their achievement." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 159)  By having her students log their effort and compare their grades Ms. Powell was using a behaviorist approach. She was conditioning them to see and understand how important it is to put forth effort in order to see positive results. What this will do in turn for the students is show them that if they behave a particular way there will be either a positive or negative impact on their grade.

            Another instructional strategy where the behaviorist theory and technology are involved is homework and practice.  Students can work on their homework and practice skills using "multimedia such as educational games and interactive simulations" and they can also use various web resources that "allow students to practice concepts and skills repeatedly from their homes." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 194-5)  By using these technologies students are immersed in a behaviorist learning environment. They can play an online game and get a result quickly to determine if they are correct or not. In essence, they are getting instant feedback from these resources and are learning from them, as you would in a behaviorist setting. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011) In most computer games bells and whistles go off when you reach a new level or get an achievement, in the classroom the teacher gives you a positive reaction if you get an answer correct or do well in class. These are both clear examples of the behaviorist learning theory.

            After examining the behaviorist learning theory I now understand how present it still is in today's classrooms. There still continues to be many instructional strategies that correlate and coincide with behaviorist principles. "Educational technologies have become the tools that a teacher might use to create an effective instructional event", no matter what learning theory you use. (Lever-Duffy, & McDonald, 2008, p10)  It is clear that the behaviorist theory, in this case, still continues to be used in today's classrooms by many teachers using various educational technologies.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1342106_1%26url%3D

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Behaviorism#Modeling.2C_Shaping.2C_and_Cueing

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