Me and the Behaviorist Theory

I have recently begun to consider the way that my students learn. What I have come to realize is that there are three major theories. The one that I am going to discuss today is actually the first one, called the behaviorist theory. It suggests that all learning is done through positive rewards or punishments. However, don’t let the word punish frighten you it is more like, as Dr. Orey describes, negative reinforcement. This implies that all learning is accomplished through an external means. Well, let me start by saying that I don’t agree with this theory completely. Though I do acknowledge that learning can be achieved through experiencing the circumstances of one’s choices. I simply can’t believe that there is nothing going on internally.

So the real question is, how does what I do in the classroom fit with the strategies of the behaviorist theory? The area where I use this theory the most, is in my classroom management strategy. Dr. Orey explains that B. F. Skinner designed the behaviorist theory and that it solely holds to the principle of operant conditioning. I have many things that I use to help my students understand the appropriate behaviors for my class. First are specific complements. I say specific because I want my students to understand what they did which has warranted my reaction. Another strategy for management is the blue chairs of comfy goodness. If you are a parent of a student that I teach, you may have heard your children describe these marvelously relaxing chairs. Basically, these are designed to be the exact opposite of a time-out center. When a student does good I reward them with 5 min. of relaxing in the blue chairs. Lastly, I use the thing that if you are a parent I know you have heard of. Bach Bucks. When students are engaged in the conversation, are answering questions, are being respectful, or anything that is positive I reward them with these little fake dollars which allow them to buy things like instruments or even the blue chairs for an entire class time. In every one of these examples the students are learning how to behave based on either a reward or a punishment. You may have noticed that I haven't gone into any of the punishments that I use, even though they are a part of my classroom management system. Dr. Orey explains that of the two parts of the behaviorist theory, positive reinforcement is the strongest. This is why I tend to lean heavier on the positive side of the behaviorist strategy.

Another area where this theory is very active is when we are playing instruments. The cool thing is that I don’t actually have to do anything. By that I mean, they learn the best from sound of the instrument. When they are playing with the correct mouth shape they get the right tone. If they play incorrectly they get a squeak. The sound of the instrument becomes the positive or negative reinforcement. However, when students are practicing with their instruments I do make it a point to say something. This reminds me of a strategy explained in the book, Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works. They state that when homework, or in this case practice on an instrument, is assigned it should be commented on. This is absolutely the behaviorist theory. We are positively or negatively responding to the students' behaviors.

The last area that I will discuss now is centered around the idea of effort. In the eighth chapter of Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works, it describes the idea of reinforcing effort. The truth is that when it comes to music, I look at effort very intently. When we are creating a musical composition I watch to see who is really putting in time and consideration and who is just plunking around on their instruments. To me effort is a big deal, but as this chapter explained not all students realize that their effort is important to their school work. Since this is the case I try very hard to recognize and reward those who are putting in that extra umph and refocus those that might not fully understand just how important there effort is. There is the behaviorist theory. It is exemplified by the recognition or refocusing of the student.

Even though there are other examples, hopefully this blog will help give you some insight into a few areas where the strategies of the behaviorist theory are alive and well in my class, despite my few objections to it.

References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Behaviorist Learning Theory. [Motion Picture]. Understanding the impact of technology on education, work and society. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.