Behaviorism in Today’s Classroom
Behaviorist learning theory is being applied daily in my classroom. My school is using Glencoe Mathematics Applications and Concepts Course 2 for the seventh grade and Course 3 for the eight grades. Glencoe provides a vast assortment of technology based learning tools. The book in its entirety is on a website which includes a personal tutor; practice quizzes/test additional examples, and much more. Dr. Orey said that Behaviorist Learning Theory is still being widely applied even though it has fallen out of favor. I have reviewed my textbooks and agree with Dr. Orey that behaviorist learning is widely used.
In the required reading Using Technology with classroom Instruction, Chapter 10 “Homework and Practice give students a chance to review and apply what they have learned.” The Glencoe books have student resources on-line for every chapter. Students are assigned homework that they must email the results to the teacher which is Programmed instruction – online tutorials. In mathematics, there is a place for drill and practice because “practice makes permanent.”
Sam, I like how your text is taking steps to incorporate more technology, but I have to question the type of technology it is. Is it just enrichment to strengthen basic skills, or does it help the students go to the next level? In the video "Behaviorist Learning Theory", Dr. Orey did warn that if that is all the student is doing, then there is a risk that the students will lose their passion for using technology. Has either the publisher or you taken steps to make sure that is not happening?
ReplyDeleteI also agree that practice is important. The curriculum we use for Math, has daily work and then usually ten problems for homework. Sometimes I think that even that is too much. I like to assign real math, such as finding gas mileage or calculating tax on groceries.
ReplyDeleteI like that your curriculum has online resources. Do your students use them?