APP2 - EDUC 6711
"Reinforcing Effort" and "Homework and Practice" are two instructional strategies that can be enhanced significantly with the aid of technology. They are also compatible with behaviorist theory.
Behaviorism principles suggest that all behavior is a result of learned habits and if this is correct then it stands to reason that all behaviors can be unlearned (Orey, 2001). Just as every student can not be the tallest in the class or the best looking ....neither can every student be the smartest in the class. Each of these attributes are out of their control. What is in their control though is the ability to get in the habit of giving a great effort. "Reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationship bewteen effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning" (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. ,2007, p. 135).
Failure to realize the importance of effort can often be a large part of the problem for students according to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski. Some tools that can be useful in helping them see the importance of giving a good effort are an effort rubric, charts that compare effort to scores and effort surveys. Each of these can be easily incorporated into lessons with the assistance of educational technology.
All students can achieve academic success with a combination of effort, encouragement, teacher support and technology. They want all become "A" students but they can all learn how to become the best student they are capable of being.
One of the concepts of behaviorism is that students will "work for things that bring them positive feelings, and for approval from people they admire" (Orey, 2001). Unfortunately there is not enough time in the typical school day to accomplish all that is required. This necessitates the use of homework assignments and additional practice and technology facilitates them "by providing a wealth of resources for learning outside of the classroom" ( Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007, p. 189). With the aid of technology students can make the, often unenjoyable, task of homework more palatable and as a result be positively motivated to put forth the necessary effort. The end result of all this additional effort being academic success that brings them the positive feelings and approval that they enjoy.
"Reinforcing Effort" and "Homework and Practice" are more than instructional strategies. "Reinforcing Effort" is also a means of expressing high expectations by illustrating to students that you care about them and their success as students and as human beings. The same can also be said for "Homework and Practice". Assigning students addtional work, that is going to take substantial time to do, is not a great way to make lifelong friends ....but it is necessary to help mold them into the very best students and eventual contributing members of society that they are capable of becoming.
References
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved
from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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‘"Reinforcing Effort" is also a means of expressing high expectations by illustrating to students that you care about them and their success as students and as human beings.’
ReplyDeleteThis couldn’t be truer! The best part of using rubrics to reinforce effort in the classroom is that the students don’t have to take your word for the quality of work they do versus the amount of effort they put into it. It lets them see the change, which they often don’t get to do! Teachers should be facilitators in students’ learning, and using the rubrics to reinforce students’ effort allows them independence and control in their own learning and sets standards for your expectations. It is up to them to take your advice and make the changes that will make them successful.