Behaviorism in Today’s Classroom

Behaviorism in Today’s Classroom

            I believe that drill / practice and remediation and demonstrations have a place in classroom today.  For example, in a wood shop class setting; safety practices must be practiced every second of the day or an injury could result. Repetition and structure is crucial to the learning environment.  Unwanted or negative behavior must be corrected, or the safety of all students may be jeopardized.  Some classrooms may place more emphasis on these particular techniques, but limitation should be considered to diversify the students learning experience and growth.  In classes that technology is accessible, remediation activities is most effective when limited (Laureate Inc. 2010).

For example, when I discuss safety features on a power tool, I explain everything they need to know from A – Z.  I immediately have the student perform a performance activity where I can give feedback and then discuss my observations with the entire class at a later point in time. I use examples of proper tool usage by students and also situations that could lead to potential injury. 

Orey stated that students change their behaviors to satisfy desires they place value on (Orey, 2001).  While building projects in a wood shop setting, students can place value in the hard work and quality of the project. Their confidence and excitement increase as their projects takes shape, in conjunction with positive feedback and quality improving tips. At the end of the activity, they have physical evidence (project) of their hard work that can receive positive feed back from friends and family.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction & Technology. Baltimore, MD: Orey.

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieve from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page