In response to the topic of strategies used in this week's course text and its correlation to behaviorism, I believe there is a link between the two. First, when examining the success of the student in relationship to his or her efforts, tracking data using technological tools can facilitate the intended objective of demonstrating to the student that his or her effort has a direct influence upon the success experienced within the classroom. As a student visually sees the correlation, he or she should be motivated to increase or sustain the effort because of the positive results.
In the next chapter of the course text that deals with homework and practice, it is shown that technology can serve as a extension of the classroom. It can work by allowing further learning to take place because of its accessability to software programs, websites, and more. The correlation between this type of learning and behaviorism is seen in the use of software or the web to offer activities that can, according to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenowski (2007) have students develop higher levels of proficiency and increase their ability. It can give them access to more information to aid in understanding, and develop skills that require automaticity. When skills become more advanced, the student will most likely desire to use this approach to increase the rate of success.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I agree that when a student visually sees that his/her effort is in direct correlation with their achievements it will most certainly motivate them to sustain and hopefully increase their effort.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the use of technology can certainly help a student to advance their skills and increase their successes. I have seen first hand how students seem to get more involved and excited when working with technology. It is a technological world and, as educators, we have a duty to keep up with the newest technologies and use them in our teaching every day.
I really like the idea of tracking student progress in correlation to their effort. Those results usually speak for themselves, as students can directly link their work rate and results. It offers something tangible for students to track their real class progress.
ReplyDeleteFinding ways to integrate technology tools into the classroom is just another great way to offer students more opportunities to engage in their work. As tech-savvy as students are today, we have to find the best ways to reach them and offer them meaningful work. Technology aids and resources are probably one of the best ways to do it.