Dr. Michael Orey discussed in this week's video that many believe that the Behaviorist Theory is defunct, and is no longer being used in schools. Orey defies that notion by first explaining in detail the Behaviorist theory by first dismissing the notion that the Term Behaviorism relates to bad behavior. He explains that BF Skinner first introduced Behaviorism and that it revolves around Operant Conditioning, which has two mechanisms: Reinforcement and Punishment.
The word "Punishment" always seems to be a negative term; one that my school avoids at all costs. It seems too harsh of a term to use when discussing school and students' behaviors, but Dr. Orey explains the negativity away by stating that "Reinforcement" is what teachers use to get their students to perform a certain task or behavior consistently, while "Punishment" is only implemented when a behavior needs to be eliminated. It is only used to introduce consequences that stop the behavior, states Dr. Orey.
Although Dr. Orey's explanation does take away from the harshness of the word, I personally feel that another term should be used here, such as "Behavior Modification," since "Punishment" still seems harsh. I am sure that many parents cringe at the use of the term being used in schools to refer to an action taken to get their children to change a behavior.
Orey also mentions the various types of Operant Conditioning, one of which is called PROGRAMED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY. Basically, this type of strategy, is used to ask the learner a question, and requires an answer, and allows the learner to move on to the next question only if the previous answer is correct. This strategy reinforces learning as the learner works to strengthen weaknesses.
Another form of Operant Conditioning used in the classroom for behaviorism is the visual behavior contract where the student is required to move the magnet or clip down to an identified bad behavior consequence. The student isn't necessarily being "scolded or punished," but redirected or reminded that there is always a consequence for any inappropriate behavior. This contract agreement between the teacher and the student is another learning moment for the student that will, hopefully, help the student to modify that behavior.
Dr. Orey mentions that Operant Conditioning is also used in negative ways, especially with the advent of No Child Left Behind where the technology is not used to enrich the majority of the students, but is catered to only a select few who have been identified as needing remediation. In this case, states Dr. Orey, the technology is used to focus on poor achievers only, while the others are left out of the equation.
The Instructional strategies described by Dr. Orey correlate with the principles of behaviourist orientation to learning theories mentioned in the article, The Behaviourist Orientation To Learning, behaviours or responses are strengthened or weakened by consequences of that behavior. The article stated that Skinner's goal was to reinforce what you want people to do and ignore or punish what you want people to stop doing. I believe that this strategy is most effective, because i t allows the instructor to manage behavior in a positive and very constructive manner.
According to James Hartley, four key principles are important in maintaing the behaviourist theory in the classroom. They are ACTIVITY, REPETITION, REINFORCEMENT, CLEAR OBJECTIVES. The latter correlates with what Dr. Orey mentioned regarding the behavior contract between the student and the teacher. Dr. Orey mentioned that it is very important that the student clearly understands the objectives that the teacher presents so that there is no misunderstanding as to why the student is being asked to modify a particular behavior. The article (INFED) mentions that learning is better when the learner is active rather than passive, which correlates with Dr. Orey's statement regarding the misuse of technology for remedial purposes. The fact that students sit for a period of time working on "dry tutorials," is not a good use of time or an effective use of technology.
The instructional strategies described in the resources correlate significantly well with the principles of behaviorist Learning Theory. In fact, without one, the other would not be effective.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program four: Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Behaviorism. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Hi Vernell,
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a place in our classrooms for behaviorism. I noticed that you discussed the idea of "punishment" and how it is used in the classroom. I agree that students should not be punished, but I also feel that there should be predictable consequences to all actions. Without consequences (both good and bad) students will not be able to gauge their own actions. Students know that there are good consequences for positive things that they do, and they know that there will be negative consequences for negative things that they do.
Working with third graders I have a great example of this. When I pass out an assignment I remind students (sometimes many times) to put their names on their papers. If I collect the papers and they have not put their name on it, then they receive an extra homework sheet to do that night. The sheet involves writing their first and last name 20 times (neatly). Though this may seem harsh and like a punishment, students REMEMEBER to put their name on their paper every time after they have to do the name sheet. Sometimes students have to do the name sheet a few times, but then they can be overheard saying, "Opps! Can I have my paper back, I want to check to make sure my name is on it so I don't get another name sheet!" In my opinion it makes them more aware and puts the responsibility on them rather than me.
~Heather