Behaviorist Theory

As I began to read through this week’s resources it became obvious to that the behaviorist theory involves more than student behaviors. I really enjoyed reading and learning about instructional strategies that are designed to help improve behaviors.

The “Reinforcing Effort” strategy was very interesting to me for me. As a special education teacher I have always believed in giving my students credit for their effort. This week’s resources helped me to understand that although I am giving this effort grade it will only be effective if my students understand why and how they are receiving it. The behaviorist theory is centered on the reinforcement of ideas and concepts. So by having students chart their own effort/ achievement grades we are incorporating the behaviorist theory. This will allow the students to see the relationship between their effort and their grade. This strategy will help the students understand their effort will positively or negatively impact their grades.
Another example of behaviorism in the classroom is implementing homework and practice.

“Homework and practice give students a chance to review and apply what they have learned,” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007). I believe this one of the most obvious strategy that directly impacts today’s students. I know at my school parents are constantly asking for homework so they can see what their kids are doing in school. As a special education teacher I have to be careful of what type of homework I give because it could have a negative impact for my students as well, because many of them need my individual attention in class in order to complete assignments. So I usually give project type homework assignments that I feel the students can complete with minimal help.