EDU 6711 Week 2: Behaviorist Learning Theories (Behaviorism in Practice)

The role of the behaviorist learning theory in my classroom is somewhat evident in my classroom. Also, some of the points mention in Dr. Michael Orey’s video short titled, “Behaviorist Learning Theory” and the online article titled, “The Behaviourist Orientation to Learning” enhances the aspects of the theory that can lead to efficient implementation and application of technology in the classroom.

When Dr. Orey mentioned some teachers relate some failures in the classroom to behavior, I had to plead guilty (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Most of the time, I am able to discover other reasons, such as learning environment and resources, why a student is unsuccessful in my class. However, in some instances, I found myself blaming a student’s shortcomings in the classroom on how he or she behaves. Prior to the implementation and practice of innovative and technological resources, drilling, practicing, remediation, and traditional tutorial programs were considered to be effective tools for learning. However, due to the ever-evolving society, the value of traditional practices used to enhance student learning has decreased and the ability to hold students’ attention spans has become more arduous. Therefore, incorporating new technology into the classroom may increase the chances of student engagement. Technologies such as an interactive white board and access to laptop computers will allow students to become more active in their learning within the classroom. Traditional practices can still be used, solely for the purpose of increasing the learning levels of low-performing students. Once low-performing students have been given the opportunity to work in a classroom where innovative learning tools are used and progress is not seen, retorting them back to traditional learning practices may be in the students’ best interest. 

Instructional situations when behaviorist technology applications are appropriate when a teacher has a classroom of students in which behavior issues evident therefore, making the classroom a place for the behaviorist learning theory. The online article mentions, “the environment shapes one’s behaviour; what one learns is determined by the elements in the environment, not by the individual learner” (Smith, K 1999). Students need to be functioning in a classroom that contains resources relative to the 21^st century that creates an environment of active learning. Also, the resources provide stimuli that create specific learning and behavioral responses that will create a ‘learning by doing’ classroom setting. The behaviorist learning theory also needs to be incorporated in the classroom because it can be connected with instructional technology. Dr. Orey points out that behavior “revolves around operant conditioning”. His comprehensible categories of operant conditioning, reinforcing positive behaviors and punishing negative behaviors, can be valuable tools for a teacher having students with behavioral issues detrimental to their learning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). For example, two teachers have given their students the task of completing a research paper and students are given the opportunity to work on the paper in class. One teacher goes to the library, before assigning the task, and checks out a number of books that relate to subject of the assigned research paper. The teacher expects the students to read through the books and find the necessary information needed to complete the assignment. In my opinion, the potential for unwanted negative behaviors, which will result in punishing consequences, are high because the 21^st century student is not used to using books to complete an assignment such as a research project. The other teacher has access to a set of classroom laptops and gives the students a list of five websites they can visit that will provide information needed to complete the task. Also, the teacher requires each student to email the research paper to the teacher by specific date and time. The teacher providing each student a laptop will create chances of reinforcing positive behaviors because students will be engaged and motivated to complete the assignment simply because they know the laptop is the best possible tool available and they have access to it.

The behaviorist learning theory has a place in the classroom because in can determine whether or not gains met amongst students. If behaviors are evident within the classroom that hinder student learning, then the implementation and application of instructional technology can be used, creating a 21^st century-style learning environment.

References:

·         Smith, K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm%20%20

·         Video: “Behaviorist Learning Theory”: Dr. Michael Orey
In this program, Dr. Michael Orey discusses the history of behaviorist learning theory and describes applications of the theory in classroom practice and technology integration.