Thank you for visiting my blog!
Cathryn
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria , VA
Monday, November 8, 2010
Marzano Strategies, technology, and correlation to Behaviorism Theory
This week, I am studying two instructional strategies that can be found in, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, with regards to their relationship to the theory of Behaviorism. While looking at the strategies of Homework and Practice, an example is given as such, “Well-made software allows teachers to choose which learning objectives the student needs to practice, has sophisticated and seamless multimedia to keep the learner engaged, and provides immediate feedback and scaffolding in order to help the student understand and practice the concept (Pitler, 192).” If feedback is given, whether positive or negative, it correlates to Behaviorism. Of course, the most effective feedback would be positive. In other words, if an interactive technology program is used to provide homework practice, and foster perfect practice with results from positive feedback, then the learner will achieve learning the concept. When looking at the strategy of Reinforcing Effort, the integration of technology, and how the two correlate to behaviorism, Pitler gives a great example while discussing the use of part of a school website dedicated to reinforcing effort, and its relationship to achievement, “Student success stories like these are more meaningful and more relatable than stories of larger-than-life heroes (162).” I feel that the strategy of Reinforcing effort not only correlates with Behaviorism, but is of itself what Behaviorism is all about.
Thank you for visiting my blog!
Cathryn
Thank you for visiting my blog!
Cathryn
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am just curious what your thoughts, or beliefs are, towards negative reinforcement. Do you feel there is a place for this in education today? Can negative reinforement be beneficial?
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. Morris, what a great question! I do believe that there is a place for negative reinforcement in education today (and in our world, for that matter) if used with careful thought, and not out of desperation. I have seen the effects of it go both ways. I had to use it the other day, while having students use manipulatives for equal grouping. One student would not stop building his creation, so I finally had to take the manipulatives away and told him to watch everyone else. He learned by watching, not by doing. Although positive reinforcment is shown to be more effective, I do believe that if necessary, it works to mix things up. There is always that one or two students who want something different.
ReplyDeleteCathy,
ReplyDeleteReading your post on using technology to help with homework and practice made me think of something that I have started doing this year which you might find useful. Just about every text book now has a test generator which are usually quick and easy to use. I have started giving quizzes this year not for a grade but for students to assess themselves on what they are having difficulty with. Once each student identifies which types of problems they are having the most difficulty with I can use the test generator to develop a practice worksheet for each student based on the questions they need the most help with. It might sound like a lot of work to create a seperate worksheet for each student in the class, but actually it is rather easy. I can create individualized workheet for all of my students, in all of my classes, is no more than 30 min. This has proven to be very successful so far and makes instruction much more indvidualized then it ever has been in my class. Just an idea for you if you have such a test generator at your access.
Cathryn,
ReplyDeleteI agree with positive feedback is more effective than negative. What types of positive feedback do you use in your classroom? Do you have a reward system?
I agree that the use of technology for homework would be a great thing, but what about those of us that do not have electronic ways of doing homework? Now, my classes all have online books and tutorials, but how can I assign students to use them for homework if they do not have internet access at home? If they do, would they have to print out what they are doing? Do you use a website that does this for you?
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a way of incorporating online homework for my math classes, but it seems like paper and pencil will be the way my students will be working for the time being.
Jeff
I have seen the test generator portion on some text books. I have never gone into one to see what it looks like. I really like how you have used that resource to individualize helpful study questions for your students, Mr. Morris. Just putting out the extra effort for your students makes it more meaningful to them, I am sure. In answer to your question Mr. Nusbaum, I am big into telling people what they are good at.I also like to find out what a student may be interested in, like rocks and minerals for example, and have something ready to pull out, like a book, an article, or an artifact to share with the class as a reward for all, but to spotlight someone in particular for posiyive reinforcement... "John added extra effort to learn this difficult task, so I thought I would take a minute and show everyone some things about a topic that interests him."
ReplyDeleteJeff,
ReplyDeleteThe nature of the comment that I posted was to make correlation between the two strategies of "Homework and Practice", "Reinforcing Effort", technology, and behaviorism. I also am from a district where less than 30% students have internet access at home. Try not to let frustration get in the way of seeing the benifits of practicing a skill with new technology. There is a reason that you and I are earning a Master's Degree to Integrate Technology into the classroom. This leads us to the exposure of wonderful ideas that others share, which also in turn sometimes causes the feeling of being way behind in the times. I believe that we are still on the frontier of technology being integrated into the classroom.
I like this "immediate feedback and scaffolding" correlations here are huge. I know that I certainly try to think of myself when I think of my students and how I would like things to be. Feedback is so very important to me and just as important to give to my students, even just simple feedback to let them know that you do look things over carefully and recognise their strengths and even some weaknesses...so important!
ReplyDeleteMara,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Would you mind taking a look at my new post concerning correlation between Cognitive Learning Theory and the teaching strategies mentione? I would love feedback from you!