WEEK 1 - Using Technology with Classroom Instruction

In the reading for week 1, it was made clear that using the Behaviorist theory by reinforcing effort and providing recognition is an essential tool for motivating students to be active learners in the classroom. The quote mentioned in Chapter 2, "Success comes in cans; failure in cant's," brings home this theory. 

In my classroom, I have always practiced the Behaviorist theory, and could see a major difference in my classroom activity vs the classrooms where this theory is not being utilized.  While other students tarry in the hallway waiting for the last moment to go into their classroom, my students hustle to get into my class.  Why?  Because I stand at the door with tickets in my hand that each student who arrives on time receives.  Those who arrive late, do not receive a ticket.  Punishment?  Not at all.  It is the consequence for not making the effort to arrive on time. 

Once the attendance is taken, I am prepared to reward my students once again, with another ticket.  This time for turning in their HW assignments.  Each student who has completed the HW receives a ticket, and a greater chance to win the raffle prize at the end of class.

All students who ask legitimate questions pertaining to the subject receives another ticket.   It is exciting to look back at a classroom filled with students who were anxious to arrive, be seated, start the day off strong.  Near the end of the class, students are asking to see their number of points received for completing all assignments.  Each student is in a race to get the most points so as to win the prize waiting for them at the end of the month.

Although this sounds like a lot to promise the students, through experience I can tell you that it really does work.  The positive reinforcement keeps the efforts of the students in full gear.  The recognition drives the students to success.

One of the recommendations noted on page 58 caught my eye.  "Ask students to keep track of their effort and achievement," is something that I will consider doing.  Usually, I keep track of the student's achievement with a visual chart that is posted on the wall.  Each students receives either a star or a sticker and can clearly see their progress as well as the progress of others.  Having the students keep track of their own effort and achievement, however, by using the Effort and Achievement Spreadsheet in figure 2.2 is worth trying.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Understanding the brain. [Course materials]. Retrieved from: https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_4198987_1%26url%3D