The Learning Theory of Behaviorism

In this week's resources for class, we explored the behaviorist theory and its application in the classroom.  When I look around at the students I work with, I can see right away the individuality. There are many learning theories available to help educators understand how children learn.  "Behaviorism is primarily concerned with observable and measurable aspects of human behavior" (Orey, M., 2001).  It focuses on the idea that behavior is learned, and because it is learned, it can also be unlearned so that new behaviors can take their place.  This can happen through operant conditioning, which is the reinforcement of desired behaviors and the punishment of negative behaviors (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  In order to change behaviors we must use positive reinforcement to reward the good behaviors we would like to continue.

Here is a short video overview on behaviorism if you need a refresher:

There are many great educational tools that we can use to reinforce the idea of rewarding positive behaviors.  One of these tools is a website called Class Dojo.  This is a tool I used when I was a classroom teacher everyday.  With Class Dojo, I could give positive and negative points based upon behaviors I observed in the classroom.  I was able to align these behaviors with our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) matrix.  When I would give a positive point to a student a high ting sound would play in the classroom.  This was an encouragement to the rest of the class that someone had just earned a point for a positive behavior and those that were off task would redirect themselves.  The same thing would happen when I would give a negative point, and a low dong sound would play.  This helps to teach the students that an effort made towards positive behaviors will be recognized in a positive way.  "Behavioral change occurs for a reason; students work for things that bring them positive feelings, and for approval from people they admire" (Orey, M., 2001)
We can also look at many instructional web based programs that offer recognition for growth.  There are sites like Raz-Kids, SumDog, and IXL that offer rewards as you move up levels, and give you recognition as you complete your learning.  The students become more engaged in the learning because they want to obtain these achievements and recognitions.  These types of programs help to recognize the efforts students are using to correctly complete practices and activities.  "The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attributes and beliefs about learning" (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012, p. 57).
This theory also applies to when teachers assign homework to students.  When homework is assigned to students, its purpose is to help students practice what they have learned.  "Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency" (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012, p. 168).  After an assignment is graded, a review of it can take place.  This allows for a teacher to readdress the content that a student may not have mastered.  This immediate look at how a student may have come to the wrong answer, and a redirection to the correct answer or process can benefit a student immensely.  Behaviors can not be corrected if a students is unsure of what they did wrong.
Behaviorism plays a big role in today's classroom through teaching strategies, and educational technology.  The designing of future web tools and instructional practices relies heavily on understanding the different theories of learning and behaviorism is a key player.

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

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

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