Behaviorism is inevitable, especially in the classroom. Many may consider the concept of behaviorism to be something of the past in regards to the idea of either rewarding or punishing students for their behaviors. However, it is something that will continue to be evident in our classrooms, as Dr. Orey shares that it serves as a means for behavior management. We need the behavior management in our classrooms to ensure the appropriate learning environment for all students. Additionally, we naturally reinforce positive behaviors in our classroom, as we want students to do the right thing as it allows us to do our job and allows students to learn.
As a Physical Education Teacher, I feel that I am constantly reinforcing effort with my students. In relationship to behaviorism I have implemented motivational strategies such the golden sneaker award, star students and even student helpers as a means of keeping students on track and engaged. In terms of the use of technology, I have an interactive white board attached to my cart in the gym and students do have the opportunity to utilize to interact with the technology, provided they are demonstrating classroom expectations. The use of the technology also serves as a means of reinforcing effort because students enjoy interacting with the technology.
In terms of homework and practice, I do not give homework. However, I do provide multiple practice opportunities during instructional periods. “Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency” (Stifler, p. 188). Through my instruction and assessment, I have found that the more that students have the opportunity to practice, the better they become with a given skill or concept. Additionally, while practicing, students are provided with choices from the equipment that they use, the pace at which they work and the group that they work within. This closely related to behaviorism as these choices provide students with opportunities for success. When students are successful, they feel positive reinforcement because they have been successful. There have been multiple times where they are so excited that they show me what they have learned, further providing them with positive reinforcement for their efforts and correct practice of a given skill or concept.
Overall, we know that behaviorism is an idea that we will continue to see in our classrooms. It is an essential part of what we do, as we want our students to do well and to learn as much as they possibly can.
Resources:
Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Your opening statement is very true. In some way every teacher uses behaviorism in the classroom. There is no way around it. It is impossible to teach in a disruptive environment because we are spending more time on correcting negative behavior instead of teaching and learning. By punishing negative behavior we hope that our students will learn that there are consequences for their actions so they will not repeat their negative behavior. An ideal learning environment is reinforced with positive behavior where all students can learn effectively. Most teachers reinforce positive behavior with rewards. I think that you have creative appropriate rewards and motivational strategies for your students. Your rewards are not only positive but they are motivational and encouraging students to become effective learners. It is a great idea to not only reward students for learning but for their behavior as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy hearing about how other "specials" teachers handle incorporating technology into their daily practice. I would imagine utilizing your interactive white board in a gymnasium setting would be difficult at times. You mentioned that when students are meeting your classroom behavioral expectations you allow them to use the board. Would you mind elaborating on how exactly you do this and is this on a daily basis? Some classrooms lend themselves well to incorporating technology on a daily basis but would this would be more difficult in a gym.
I believe that the behaviorist learning theory and a gym class would work well together. The students can monitor their own physical activity and readiness level as they participate. Do you make the connection about general health of our bodies with the overall way we treat our bodies for your students? In a way we live employing behaviorism on a daily basis in and out of the classroom. If we treat our bodies well (eating healthy, exercise, fresh air, etc.) then we are rewarded with good health. It may be a neat connection for your kids to explore.
-Lara Scherba-Bushon
Lara,
DeleteUtilizing the white board in the gym on a daily basis can be difficult. However, we have recently modified our daily routine to allow for the incorporation to our lesson. Our learning outcomes are posted through the cart each day. Additionally, we use a decent amount of video clips and other media to either introduce or review a given skill or concept. When I mentioned about positive behavior and the use of the board, this past week we were doing a lesson on healthy foods and activities and students were chosen to come up and move food objects into various categories and students were chosen by how well they were behaving during that particular period of time. I will say that the strategy worked as all of the students wanted the opportunity to use the board and were able to do so because they were all engaged and part of the class discussion.
The behaviorist learning theory does play a major role in the Physical Education classroom. Students are responsible for their own effort in terms of their physical activity. We often help students make connections about how every aspect of their lives impacts the health of their bodies. When we have these discussions with students they are extremely engaged and are able to make real life connections to the content.