Technology and Behaviorism

This week in my grad class, Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology, we explored two teaching strategies that implement technology. These strategies are reinforcing effort and providing recognition, and assigning homework and providing practice. This week we also reviewed the behaviorist educational theory (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). In this blog post, I will explain how these strategies can connect with the behaviorist model. 

When a teacher reinforces effort in the classroom it provides students with positive feedback. This encourages students to continue learning.  It is important for students to realize that their success is linked to the effort they put in (Pitler, Hubbell & Kuhn, 2012). When students are able to keep track of their progress in class they take ownership of their own learning (Pitler, Hubbell & Kuhn, 2012). The recognition of positive behavior is a basic behaviorist idea (Laureate , 2011). I have seen an improvement in effort in my own classroom when I discuss participation grades with each student daily.  It would be interesting to add the element of technology to this strategy. I believe students would like to manipulate the data into various charts and graphs. As an art teacher, I enjoy bragging about my student’s talents. At this time, I have an art student of the month on a cork board in the hallway. It would be more of an honor if I put together an artist of the week portion of my blog that highlights one student. Perhaps students would link this post to their social media, or email the link to their parents.

Homework is not a typical occurrence in my art courses. Much of the work is completed during studio time in the classroom. However, students do sketch outside of the classroom when brainstorming project ideas or themes. In previous courses, I have set the goal to set up a class wiki or blog where students can post pictures of their artistic process or completed artwork for peer review. This gives students the chance to interact with other students who may be different periods. It is also beneficial since there is a limited amount of classroom time and students can respond to peers at their leisure. When students practice responding to each other online the in class critiques will become smoother. Teacher would be involved this process to give feedback and encourage learning. The idea of giving feedback, both positive and negative, is a behaviorist idea (Laureate , 2011).

Resources

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

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. (2nd ed.). Denver, Colorado: McRel.