Week 2 - Technology and Behaviorism

Behaviorism can be a powerful learning theory. However, in today’s educational system its role has changed. Behaviorism by definition is the “worldview that operates on a principle of stimulus response, all behaviors can be explained without the need to consider internal mental states or consciousness” (learning-theories.com, 2009). Children start off as a clean slate and the stimuli that they experience positive or negative make them who they are. It theory was primarily created by B.F.Skinner.

My classroom and school focuses more on the positive reinforcement level of behaviorism. This year we stated a program that rewards students for the positive things they do. It really has changed the atmosphere of my school. Children are really trying to be helpful and kind to their classmates. I see this as a great way to reinforce the efforts of those who are showing positive acts as well as showing others how kindness can benefit them. In my classroom, I believe in sportsmanship and I look for those kind acts towards classmates. When I see a student showing kindness to others I reinforce it at the end of class by giving them praise and tokens for our school store. I not only attempt to do it in my classroom, but when other teachers tell me that it has happened in their classrooms also I let the student know I heard and reward that also. This way we can make it a school wide action and not just a thing they do in physical education.

In a behaviorism based world, “technology that is mostly used for drill and practice destroys the passion for learning that students should have, by taking away the opportunities for fun and exploration” (Laureate, 2009). There are many different ways to use technology then just having them watch tutorials. Students can do projects, create, pod casts, voicethreads, and blogs that can manifest their creative side. When we use technology in physical education it is important that we help the students to explore the world with there minds, then come in the gym and let their body’s show what their minds have learned. Behaviorism has its place in education, but we as teachers have to work to make sure it is not just used in behavior management.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.


Received from: www.learning-theories.com/behavorism.html

J3