Moving Forward
Through our exploration of the main theories of behaviourism, you will have noticed the emphasis on laboratory experimentation with the use of animals and young children in demonstrating classical and operant conditioning!
Behaviourism on its own has been shown to not be the main theory of choice in a 21st century classroom setting as learners construct and build on their knowledge, demonstrating that the environment is not the sole factor in learning. Overall, educators would agree that the goal of education is to work towards students feeling intrinsically rewarded by taking on personal responsibility through understanding and collaboration not through conditioning by offering extrinsic rewards and punishments. Often misbehaviour is caused by boredom so planning an engaging curriculum should take precedence over controlling students behaviour. By offering "choice' time as a reward or worse withholding "choice" time as a punishment sends a strong message to a student that the teacher isn't taking their learning interests to heart. Another example would be asking a student to write ten sentences before going out for recess, thus showing that quantity is more important than the quality of student learning.
It has been demonstrated that behaviourist methods can be effective as children are motivated by positive praise and reinforcement. Students feel proud of their efforts when they are awarded certificates of achievement such as reading certificates to show the number/different genres of books read, math certificates with an achievement of a specific level, or certificates acknowledging students as learners (caring, thinker, inquirer etc.). However, the idea of equity comes into play when students see others being rewarded for being the first one to answer the question or getting the best mark on the test.
There can be effective classroom management strategies that use behavourist approaches such as motivating students with individual or group rewards for effort shown in homework practice and routines or reinforcing basic skills practice (basic numeracy facts, common sight words). Another example would be teaching responsibility and organization skills such as organizing personal and class resources , being prepared for the beginning of a lesson, and actively listening during transition periods. However, students also need to learn to be flexible and how to react if there is a change in routine or an unexpected transition.
Our overall conclusion is that behaviourism can have a place working alongside constructivism if used in a positive way as a motivator for learners to try new things, feel proud of their achievements and to reinforce classroom or home management routines. Once a passion for learning is instilled and a belief they can succeed, rewards would then become more intrinsic for the learner.
Behaviourism on its own has been shown to not be the main theory of choice in a 21st century classroom setting as learners construct and build on their knowledge, demonstrating that the environment is not the sole factor in learning. Overall, educators would agree that the goal of education is to work towards students feeling intrinsically rewarded by taking on personal responsibility through understanding and collaboration not through conditioning by offering extrinsic rewards and punishments. Often misbehaviour is caused by boredom so planning an engaging curriculum should take precedence over controlling students behaviour. By offering "choice' time as a reward or worse withholding "choice" time as a punishment sends a strong message to a student that the teacher isn't taking their learning interests to heart. Another example would be asking a student to write ten sentences before going out for recess, thus showing that quantity is more important than the quality of student learning.
It has been demonstrated that behaviourist methods can be effective as children are motivated by positive praise and reinforcement. Students feel proud of their efforts when they are awarded certificates of achievement such as reading certificates to show the number/different genres of books read, math certificates with an achievement of a specific level, or certificates acknowledging students as learners (caring, thinker, inquirer etc.). However, the idea of equity comes into play when students see others being rewarded for being the first one to answer the question or getting the best mark on the test.
There can be effective classroom management strategies that use behavourist approaches such as motivating students with individual or group rewards for effort shown in homework practice and routines or reinforcing basic skills practice (basic numeracy facts, common sight words). Another example would be teaching responsibility and organization skills such as organizing personal and class resources , being prepared for the beginning of a lesson, and actively listening during transition periods. However, students also need to learn to be flexible and how to react if there is a change in routine or an unexpected transition.
Our overall conclusion is that behaviourism can have a place working alongside constructivism if used in a positive way as a motivator for learners to try new things, feel proud of their achievements and to reinforce classroom or home management routines. Once a passion for learning is instilled and a belief they can succeed, rewards would then become more intrinsic for the learner.
Technology Links
Students enjoy playing games online and many learning programs and websites include a rewards system through points received which can then lead to the next reward such as moving up to the next level or receiving a certificate.
Do you have a favourite resource that promotes learning by using a reward system? If so please add to our Google Doc by clicking on the link below.
- Behaviorism in Today's Classroom: A blog with ways to integrate technology into your classroom with a behaviourist approach.
- Freerice.com: Promotes community action and learning as well as combining a reward system by seeing how many points you can acquire while helping feed the world. You can even choose different subjects! Check it out!
Do you have a favourite resource that promotes learning by using a reward system? If so please add to our Google Doc by clicking on the link below.