The principles of behaviorist learning theory correlate with both of the instructional strategies we explored this week. We've all heard the phrase "you get an A for effort," but very few of our students are familiar with this. In fact, many don't realize that by even trying to attempt an assignment they don't understand, a teacher is going to have a lot more respect for them. Reinforcing effort is one strategy that is mentioned in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenowski. They recommend using spreadsheet software to create an effort rubric or to chart the effort of individual students. These tools will allow students to see that effort leads to achievement. They believe that being able to see the results of their effort will get students to permanently change their behavior and make a greater effort in school.
Another strategy mentioned in the book is using various technology in place of traditional homework and practice assignments. According to Pitler et al., "technology facilitates homework and practice by providing a wealth of resources for learning outside of the classroom, making it easy for students to work on collaborative homework assignments and providing 'drill and practice' resources that help students refine their skills" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenowski, 2007). Multimedia activities, games, and web resources are engaging and give students instant feedback about their answers. These types of homework and practice assignments will allow students to make a postitive association with homework as they will be more connected to the material and will see this result in better grades.
Resources:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M., & Malenowski, K. . (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
ltc,
ReplyDeleteDo you feel that by having the students track their effort it would make a difference in their final product? In my school I mentioned that we use a computer based program called Compass Learning to help students with math and language arts skills. This does a good job to help work on things that they have been doing in class. We cannot just plug them into a computer and expect it to work, it has to subsidize the learning in class to be successful. What do you think? Go Buckeyes!!!
-Jakob Lauffer-
Itc,
ReplyDeleteI noticed in your post that you referred to the use of the websites mentioned in chapter 10 of Using technology with classroom instruction that works. I have not been able to use these yet but I have used Anatomy Arcade and a WIKI in the classroom and both are fantastic ways to have the students collaboratively work and independently reinforce skills. I am planning on using this same sites this semester with my current Health classes. All this stated, it is worth you time to look through several sites and add them to your classroom. Even if it is only for extra credit or extended learning.
The idea of using homework to show effort and how a student gets a good grade is a great approach! As a seventh grade math teacher I am required to provide my students with a homework assignment every day, even Friday's. I have told my students over and over again that they will get 2.5 points for putting down the answers, but they will get the full 5 points if they show their work and showed that they tried. At first I heard a lot of moaning and groaning, but after two weeks or so my 11, 12 and 13 year old students began to see how much more information they were obtaining by trying their best.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of making spreadsheets to track progress sounds like a great idea. Have you tried any of these techniques you mentioned with your students?
-Heidi Teel
Jakob,
ReplyDeleteI do feel that having students track their effort will make a difference. I've noticed a change in students since they have been able to check their grades with our online grade book. They make a much greater effort to keep up with their work. I would imagine that being able to track their effort would do the same. I have seen ELL students motivated by the praise they receive for their effort, and have made notations in the grade book which have further motivated them. It certainly can't hurt to try!
Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI have not tried using a speadsheet, but have made notations in the grade book for ELL students. While they do not always master the concepts or skills, I feel it is important to let them know that I see the effort they are making. I guess it would only make sense to do this with all students.
sukrawc -
ReplyDeleteI have not used the websites I mentioned, but agree that it is worth trying. It is difficult to fit them into the class I am currently teaching, but would likely use them for students who still need to pass the Ohio Graduation Test.