Behaviorism in Practice

In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, it is stated that "effort is the most important factor in achievement. Research shows that the level of belief in self-efficacy plays a strong role in motivation for learning & achievement." The two instructional strategies presented by the authors, "Reinforcing Effort" and "Homework and Practice", both teach the value of effort and reinforce the desirable behavior. According to Dr. Michael Orey, behaviorist learning theory supports this reinforcement of desirable behaviors. In all examples in the text students are given tasks using technology that require their input to achieve the best possible outcome. Students perform each task and can do put forth little effort but they are given immediate feedback from the results they input and will quickly see that greater effort leads to the most positive results. "Without the enhancement of technology, reinforcing effort in schools is often done through individual teacher comments or by collecting and sharing vignettes, testimonials, and observations from the learning community" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p.162). Technology makes this efficient and much more encompassing for the teachers.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program four. Behaviorist Learning Theory [Motion picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Orey.

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