This week, I read two chapters of the book “Using Technology
with Classroom Instruction that Works” by Howard Pitler, Elizabeth Hubble, and
Matt Kuhn. The first chapter that I read, “Reinforcing Effort and Providing
Recognition” describes a practice that I would describe as being behaviorist
(2012). One important point in this chapter is that of providing recognition.
Providing recognition is a positive reward for students, as described in the
online book “Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology.” The
Pitler text states “Most people like to be recognized for their efforts,
whether the recognition comes in the form of praise or something more
concrete.” The text goes on to say that in order to be effective, praise must
“promote a mastery-goal orientation,” be “specific and aligned with expected
performance and behaviors,” and ‘use concrete symbols of recognition.” This
criteria ensures that the praise lets the student know exactly what he is doing
right, so he can continue doing the right thing. When false praise is given,
the behavior that is occurring is being reinforced, even if it is an
undesirable behavior. Because of this, teachers have to make sure that they are
using praise to reinforce the behaviors they desire.
Homework and practice can also be effective tools in the
classroom, when used correctly. According to the Pitler text, “At its best,
homework can provide opportunities for students to familiarize themselves with
new concepts as well as to practice, review, and apply what they’ve learned.” Sometimes
though, teachers use homework and practice as busywork, and do not provide
adequate or timely feedback. Homework and practice should be used for students
to practice applying skills learned in class, not just the same problem
represented fifty times over in the same manner.
After reviewing this week’s resources, I have come to the
conclusion that there may still be a place for behaviorism in today’s
classroom. Praise can be a very effective motivator for most students, if used
correctly. Homework is effective when it is used as practice in applying
skills, but not when it is given as busy work or punishment.
Resources
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. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
What is your opinion on the praise that the generation in our classrooms has gotten in the form of "everyone who plays get a trophy"? Do you think our society is guilty of false praise and devalues this form of behaviorism? As a mother of young kids, I loved to see them get those trophies. It encouraged them to play, it gave them something to remember their team and the relationships that were formed, and it reminded them that practices were not always fun but sometimes hard work. As a teacher of high school students, however, I feel that false praise is harmful like your sources cited. I think that even at the higher levels, however, behaviorism is still relevant. As adults, we need to know what consequences will be for our negative behaviors and we need feedback to know what we have done well and on what we need to improve. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think we really have to be careful about the praise we give. I agree that false praise is detrimental, because it reinforces the behaviors they are performing, good or bad. Instead, we must identify areas to praise for each student, and be specific about what they are doing right. There is something to praise in every student, we just have to look for it.
DeleteI like the mention of the praise has to be concrete. I don't always use concrete symbols for praise, but I plan to use the badges that were mentioned in the same chapter.
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI also believe that praise and recognition goes a long way - especially when it is heartfelt. An empty praise or thank you is not meaningful and will not yield positive results. We need to be specific when we compliment our students (and own kiddos for that matter) so they know exactly what it is they did! They will then be more likely to perform that action again in the future!
Operant conditioning definitely has its place in the modern day classroom.
An empty compliment can be easily recognized by a student. For some students, even a heartfelt recognition will be met with skepticism, but for most, honest praise and recognition can mean the world.
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that homework and practice can be effective tools in the classroom, when used correctly. As a math teacher, it is very crucial to explain to my students how important it is for them to do their homework and be able to practice math concepts explained in class on their own. I also agree that homework should not be given as busy work or as punishment.