Behaviorist Practices

The instructional strategies discussed this week are directly related to the principles of the behaviorist learning theory. Being able to condition students through reinforcement and punishment are the key strategies of the behaviorist learning theory. According to Dr. Orey the most powerful technique of operant conditioning is reinforcement. (2009)

On my team I use spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel to keep track of the students store points. Our store is a behavior reward system in which my students earn five points a day for following our team rules and procedures. When students are disruptive or unprepared store points are taken away. This spreadsheet allows us to analyze student behavior during the week and reward them for coming to class prepared and following the rules/procedures on a daily basis. Twice during a trimester students are allowed to shop the store which continues to reinforce positive behavior; the more points the students have the more candy/soda they can buy.

We also use several learning tutorials for reinforcement of skills through the program Study Island. This program allows students to receive enrichment and remediation based on their skill level. It is an Internet based program that students have access to at home and during the school day. I feel this program is another example of the behaviorist learning theory because the program provides immediate feedback for the students. Also it is a technology based program in which students are able to use to strengthen their skills.

The Internet4Classrooms tutorials in the resources for this week are tutorials I use with my classes when we are in the computer lab and they finish working on the assignment for the period. Students seem to enjoy working through these programs to develop their skills.
There are many technology programs/tutorials that follow the behaviorist learning theory available for use in classrooms. These programs/tutorials can provide students with help to strengthen their skills in different subject areas if they are used on a regular basis. Also I agree with Dr. Orey that these programs/tutorials should be used for more than remediation and to raise test scores. (2009)

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and
technology. Baltimore: Author.

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

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