Behaviorist Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, and Technology Tools

 Behaviorist Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, and Technology Tools

Behaviorism is a learning concept that has been rooted in the education system for many years. The concept of behaviorism learning was developed by B.F. Skinner and John B. Watson who were strict behaviorist and they sought only to determine how behavior is caused by external forces (A Science Odyssey: People and Discoveries: B.F. Skinner, n.d). According to Orey, the behaviorist learning theory emphasizes the idea that behaviors are learned and can be changed or adapted based on the stimuli-response associations made by the learner (Orey, 2010, p. 271). Behavior is a key classroom element because of its impact on the students and the classroom (WGU, 2020). Skinner related the behaviorist theory to education by implying that students can be conditioned to meet behaviors by being conditioned to receive a reward through positive reinforcements and will continue the desirable behavior in order to continue to be rewarded. If the expectation or behavior is not met, the learner with receive a consequence or negative reinforcement to correct the behavior (Orey, 2010, pp. 273-274). 

Education has transcended from what it was in the past. In the past educators operated under the model of do what I say and learn how I tell you to learn. In order to properly educate the 21st-century learner, educators must operate a bit differently today. It is important to model lessons and strategies for the students in order to demonstrate the skills needed to understand what is being taught. We model thinking and pose questions in order to assist them with completing the given tasks. As educators, we should foster a culture where students take ownership of their learning goals and outcomes in both independent and group settings (ITSE, 2008). It is important to collect data on our students in order to foster their learning and assist them with transcending beyond what they already know. Through data collection, students articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes (ITSE, 2016).

Technology has boosted how we reinforce learning in the classroom and provides us with a unique tool to delivering lessons and providing students with a fun and interactive way to learn. The reinforcing effort as an instructional strategy is necessary when using technology for learning because of the emphasis placed on effort and achievement as it relates to students’ beliefs and attitudes about learning (Pitler, et al, 2012, p. 57). As technology continues to grow and expand, its presence in the classroom expands as well. With the use of technology within the classroom, educators could work alongside students in reaching their maximum potential. We can incorporate all subjects into the use of technology and assist students with acquiring the 21st-century skills they need to be effective in the future.

With the development of new technologies and the increasing integration of technology into the classroom, there has been a growing need to incorporate social emotional learning strategies using technology which in turn relates to the philosophy of behaviorism. Students are able to earn additional time on their technology devices as a reward for good behavior. Typically, the games are all educational. Games such as Minecraft, Prodigy, and Kahoot are all helpful learning tools in my classroom that the children love to use. So, while they may be earning a reward for positive behaviors, they are still learning at the same time. I tend to use YouTube as a tool for teaching my students Social/Emotional skills. Both Educational Technology and the New Behaviorism (2017) and Behaviorism Can Turn Classroom Management Around (Murray, n.d.) provide insight into the importance of SEL and tips on providing supporting the classroom. Using Genius Hour in the classroom will be a huge positive and a welcome change for them and how they view their education. It will give them a bit more control over it what they are learning and how they are learning. Learning during the pandemic has pulled them in so many different and has altered the way they were used to being taught. Allowing them to us tools such as Genius Hour and Hour of Code will reinforce the changes that they have experienced and provide them with useful 21st-Century skills.

 



 

         

 

 

References

A Science Odyssey: People and Discoveries: B.F. Skinner. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28,         2021, from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/bhskin.html

Chance, P. (2007). The ultimate challenge: Prove B. F. Skinner wrong. Retrieved from     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2203635/

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2016a). Standards for             students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2008). Standards for                students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/standards-for-            teachers

Murray, J. (n.d.). Behaviorism Can Turn Your Classroom Management Around.                 Retrieved from https://www.teachhub.com/behaviorism-can-turn-your-classroom-        management-around

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2010). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.     Retrieved from                 http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

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

WGU. (2020, May 29). What is behavioral learning theory? WGU: Western Governers            University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html#close


Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 26, 2021 at 6:01 PM

    Erica,

    Knowing that students learn in different means and understanding that our population is becoming more diverse every day; I couldn't agree more with the idea of using modeling as an essential strategy in the classroom. Modeling helps all learners. In addition, I also agree with the importance of reinforcement to allow students understand the importance between effort and achievement. Technology can help with both, modeling and reinforcement. There are many web 2.0 tools that allow students to practice or learn new skills by modeling and by providing immediate feedback to reinforce skills and to allow students to see the connection between effort and achievement. 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, et al., 2012).

    Reference:

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

    ReplyDelete

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