This week for my masters course (Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology) we were asked to explore two instructional strategies that embed technology: “Reinforcing Effort” and “Homework and Practice," and reflect on those strategies and how they related to behaviorist learning theory.
After reading through the given resources, I found that I strongly agreed with the idea that "reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning"(Pitler, et al., 2007, p.155). I feel that self efficacy can play a large part in a students life and can prove to be a very effective strategy when trying to motivate students. Some recommendations for classroom practice from the reading included "teaching students the importance of effort, and having students keep track of their effort and achievement"(Pitler, et al., 2007, p.156). Giving students and understanding and a reason for taking on or demonstrating a characteristic can be difficult, which is why I believe it is so important to use some sort of data collection method so that the students can track their effort and achievement.
In most classrooms, one of the easiest ways to track effort is by looking at the students homework habits because students are (or at least they should be) completing homework on a consistent basis. Completing homework allows students more time "to practice, review, and apply new learning so that they can make it permanent"(Pitler, et al., 2007, p.165). The behaviorist approach stresses drill and practice, but often times I find that students can only handle so much drill and practice. I feel that through the use of technology, this stagnant approach to practicing, reviewing, and applying new material can become something that is exciting and new to learn, that relates to real life practices. Some of the ideas for integrating technology into the classroom from Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski's book, included using word processing applications, spreadsheet software, multi media, web resources, and communication software. I believe that through the use of these applications, resources, and software teachers can track effort and create an open learning environment where students are practicing real life skills.
In the upcoming year, I plan to use the key strategies of reinforcing effort (as it relates to behavior management) and homework and practice (as it relates to providing students the chance to practice, review, and apply new learning). I will however, be more mindful of when and how I use these strategies so that my students are fully engaged in learning, and so I may be able to fully individualize instruction.
Reference
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works. Alexandria, Virginia: Ascd.
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I agree that making students understand that effort pays off can be difficult. Not all students have that "inner drive" or determination to carry through with education. Self-efficacy is a difficult characteristic to teach because at the core is the "what's in it for me" mentality. There is a lot at stake for students doing well and it's our job to try and lead them to an acceptable level of self-motivation.
ReplyDeleteTechnology, because it comes in many forms (simulations, group work, games, media, etc.) is one avenue that allows varied practice without it becoming dull. If we, as teachers, vary the practice and, as you said, attach meaning to the practice, I think it will become probable that we will have less motivated students in our classrooms.
It is important and difficult to teach students the value and benefits of effort. Teachers seem to try and encourage, as well as increase a students effort through external motivators such as positive rewards. The key is to figure out how to get students to internalize effort. It seems that as a high school teacher I am constantly fighting the "when am I going to use this" battle and the "my parents don't even know how to do this" battle. I hope that technology can be one way to show students the value of putting forth effort for an education. Technology is the future. I have heard the saying many times that we(teachers) are preparing students for jobs that don't even exist yet. If that is the case, students need to internalize effort and purpose for an education.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that our students must internalize effort. Ultimately, our students future is determined by themand their willingness/ determination to learn. We can only provide our students with the steps to success, but they must take those steps.
Great statement David... "We can only provide our students with the steps to success, but they must take those steps". If you do not mind, I would like to use that in a training program I am creating for my district.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading several comments, I realize that we are all in agreement on the tremendous importance of effort, and of fostering our students' intrinsic motivation to learn and work hard. I too have heard the statement that many of the jobs our children will eventually fill are not even created yet, and this just doubles the pressure to give our students 'tools' that are as universal as possible. An appreciation of effort is one of those. If we show our students (preferably with concrete, quantifiable data) that effort pays off, while also teaching them problem solving and communication skills, there is almost no job for which they cannot be adaptable and successful. I too am excited to implement an effort initiative!
ReplyDeletemulti media, web resources, and communication software are a great addition i use for my students in P.E. Spreadsheets would be a great idea for the fitness gram. We used cards one would be labeled fall and spring. On the card would be Ht. Wt, Sit N reach, push ups, curl ups, and pacer test results. I have the students record their data on the cards. Then all the information is then put into an excel program. This information is also sent home in the report card. I also have posted on the wall where a student should be for example (average, above average) for their age and ht, weight. There are a few other technology ideas i would like to incorporate next year. This would be involving projects using Youtube for visuals.
ReplyDeleteSelf-efficacy is a difficult trait to teach and impart to students, but through (as Megan said) concrete and measurable data organized in tangible spreadsheets and visual graphics, students can begin to understand the importance of effort and see that achievement is possible. Student academic success can then carry over into other areas. Once students see that through deliberate and purposeful actions and goal-setting, success is attainable regardless of other factors, then students will be more likely to repeat and engage in proactive behaviors that require hard work and continued practice.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteYou may certainly quote me or use that saying for a training program in your district.
Youknowit102,
ReplyDeleteI too use Fitnessgram! It's a great tool to help students see their effort and to work on goal setting. In response to using the internet or youtube for visuals, I have often found some of my resources for my dance units off of youtube. Unfortunately, my school district does not allow students or anyone in the building to use certain websites and youtube happens to be one of them. However, I have tried using flip cameras in my class to record skills (like balance sequences) that that I've set up as a station for other students.
David,
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology is one of the best ways for students to complete drill and practice tasks in a fun, engaging manner. There will always be a need for some amount of drill and practice tasks, but the challenge becomes how to make these more meaningful and fun for the students. Instructional technology which uses game scenarios for drill and practice tasks offer students the immediate feedback and positive reinforcement they crave. It also increases student motivation and effort, as they strive to gain more points, open new levels, or receive more "stars" as they progress throughout the game. This positive reinforcement is the essence of behaviorism and can be a very effective approach to increase student effort and motivation.