As I returned from a family holiday in a vehicle with children whom had been together for over a week, I made a true connection with Behaviorism. Join if you will on my five hour drive:
Approximately 2 hours into drive…
Child 1: "stop doing that"
Child 2: "I just wanted to look at it for a minute"
My inner voice: if I ignore, they will play nice
Child 1: "stay on your side"
Child 2: "I’m not bothering you"
My outloud voice: "the two of you are riding so nicely, I really appreciate…"
Child 1 and 2: "well we wish we could sit on the roof and in the floor and not next to each other, then it would be nicer!" Almost in unison.
Dr. Michael Orey explains Skinner’s theory on Behaviorism and Operant Conditioning. My ride home was in theory an example of my NOT acknowledging their bickering with one another, therefore not reinforcing the behavior in hopes they would stop talking with one another. It was my opinion if I punished either of them for their undesirable behaviors then; their attitudes would have made the drive seem even longer with additional negative behavior. Either way, we all made it home safely and we all still love one another dearly.
Behaviorism in the classroom does have its place as well and is currently used as means of monitoring behaviors, as well as in learning new material. Dr. Orey notes “moving a clip” when as a measure for breaking a rule and each time the “clip” is moved equaling a consequence. I have witnessed this practice on numerous accounts working positively and negatively and it is my opinion the success comes from the teacher; if the teacher is consistent, then the system seems to work, otherwise the system seems to waste time and take up space. Behaviorism has its place in learning as well. According to the article, the behaviourist orientation to learning, “Repetition, generalization and discrimination are important notions. Frequent practice - and practice in varied contexts - is necessary for learning to take place. Skills are not acquired without frequent practice.”Learning math facts and spelling words and other unchanging facts, repetition through activities is very beneficial for placing information into memory.
Again, we can see examples of Behaviorism in stores, restaurants, and schools every day. It is my opinion there is a place for operant conditioning when used properly and consistently. Behaviorism, along with other theories can make for a very family car ride and classroom. Happy 4th everyone!
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Behaviorist Learning Theory. [DVD]. Baltimore: Author.
Smith, K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
Traci,
ReplyDeleteI love your connection and real life example. I agree that there is a place for condditioning and it needs to be used properly and consistently. I think that that is where I lack is the consistency, I have only subbed and worked in a Pre-K classroom at a daycare so it is hard to have consistency when the same student is not there or my classroom changes. Thank you for your post, it was very insightful!
-Marie
Traci,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds EXACTLY like my family vacations, with the exception of the planned ignoring. My father would have stopped the car and threatened bodily harm or abandonment, so I give you hearty congratulations for keeping your cool.
I could not agree more in your assessment that behaviorism does have a place in the classroom, especially in learning new material. I also agree that the behaviorist learning theory is most effective when the teacher is consistent with their actions. The most important impact of the behaviorist theory and its effectiveness on our students is whether or not they can become motivated, productive, and successful adults later in life. In my estimation, the behaviorist theory is more of a life lesson, and effectively using this practice in our classrooms will benefit our students in the long run.
Ms. KItchens,
ReplyDeleteGreat personal example of positive reinforcement for the behavior you wanted them to exhibit. Although wonderful behavior from two children taking a long car ride together after a week of togetherness is a bit much to expect, though I'm glad you were up to the challenge (smile).
I agree with you behaviorism does have its place in the classroom and not just for classroom management. It should be used to help enrich and remediate skills that students need to know. It should be one of a variety of strategies a teacher uses to modify behavior and teach skills. Like anything you do with children, if you use something to often they get bored with it and will not be engaged in the activity. If you are inconsistent with how you use it students will become frustrated and behaviorism use as a modifier of behavior will not be effective. Educators still need to use behaviorist practices however it should be one of many options when using it to teach skills.