Review of "Reinforcing Effort" and "Homework and Practice"
From a behaviorist perspective, behavior is the response to external stimuli, that response can be either positive or negative, and are repeated until the response is learned.
Our text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, by H. Pitler, et al., discusses using technology to assess effort. I see that by using technology, specifically an Excel spreadsheet, to gauge effort is also demonstrating an example of behaviorism. Our text uses the example of a teacher setting the objective that the more effort a student puts into preparation for a quiz, the higher the score. The effort, measured by time spent in preparation for quizzes and homework checks, has an immediate response by the grades received. For each action (effort), there is either a positive (higher grade) or negative (lower grade) response. The spreadsheet is a visual tool that clearly shows a direct correlation between effort and grades. In this way effort is reinforced and the student is taking more responsibility for their own success.
This is clearly an example of behaviorist theory.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Final Reflection – 6715 Sanders D.
14 years ago
So, what do you think of this activity? Do you think it is an effective way to motivate students? Katie Yingling
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteI see that this form of assessmemnt could be a motivator for some students. These students would see the direct correlation between effort and grades. I also see that some students might "fabricate" or skew the efforts data to see if they could just slide by. These students obviously have a need to be motivated in other ways, i.e. praise and recognition, priviledges, or physical extrinsic rewards. An effective teacher can use this spreadsheet tool along with other methods to assess effort that meets the needs of all her students. This teacher will know the learning styles of each student and be able to focus her assignments and assessments to meet these needs. C Warren
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that I was think about when I was reading the chapter "Reinforcing Effort"is how do you account for situations where an increase in time or effort is not resulting in a better result? I do believe that it is important for students to understand that by putting in the right amount of work you are giving yourself the best chance to be successful. But what if there are external factors that are giving you mixed results? I know there is really no easy answer to that, just wanted to see what you think.
-Matt Thomas-