Everyone:
This week’s learning resource focused on the behaviorist learning theory and how certain instructional strategies correlate with the beliefs of behaviorism. The first strategy detailed in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works is called reinforcing effort. The strategy correlates with the principles of behaviorist leaning theory because it uses positive reinforcement to show students how the amount of effort they put into their school work will reflect in the grades they receive. Students are given a teacher created rubric to track their effort during the week. Students fill in a spreadsheet with their grades and the effort rubric score to see the relation between effort and the grades earned on tests (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). I use many rubrics for assignments and have never thought to use one for student effort. However, I see this as a powerful use of technology that allows students to see actual data about the importance of paying attention in school and completing homework to achieve success. I have never used a spreadsheet before and look forward to trying to create one to use for the next unit in Science.
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The chapter “Homework and Practice” discussed different ways to incorporate technology to help students develop a stronger understanding of content and become more proficient with specific skills (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). One strategy discussed was using web resources for students to practice skills and concepts. The great advantage of using web resources is students can practice skills at school or home. Students enjoy the interactive games on the web resources and the sites allow students, parents, or teachers to monitor the student’s progress (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). One web resource my class uses is www.spellingcity.com to practice their weekly list of words. The site is easy to navigate and provides students with fun interactive games to practice their Spelling words. Parents can download their child’s spelling list if the student forgets his or her book at school. Another web resource my students use is www.abcya.com to help reinforce different skills. These two sites allow students to be active learners and to practice skills frequently which will help students to learn (Smith, 1999).
Resources:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Smith, M. K. (1999) The behaviorist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved form htpp://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
Donna,
ReplyDeleteI too had not thought to use a rubric as a measure for effort! I have recently instituted this into my classroom and have found some success with it. It is very important for students to make connections between effort and success. This will benefit them greatly in their future endeavors. I feel that when students can see that even though they may not get a high grade on an assignment academically, if they put a great deal of effort into it, the grade can go up because of that.
I have also used spellingcity.com in my classroom. Students find it to be a fun way to practice and drill themselves on spelling words. I have found this website to help improve our spelling scores dramatically. I have not used abcya.com but I will definitely be looking into it. It is very important to ensure that while students are practicing skills, they are engaged and active learners. This can be difficult but with online resources like spellingcity.com and abcya.com, the task is less daunting.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Stein
Donna and Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI think the use of an effort rubric is valuable in the group work setting. I find myself frustrated when students are working in groups and one student tries very hard not to do anything. Maybe using the effort rubric described in the chapter 8 of our text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works will help remind students that they are accountable for their efforts and not the group’s results.
How do you
Chantel
The point about using rubrics and documenting effort is so important. I hadn't thought about having the students track their effort before. I think it would be powerful for them to track the amount of time and effort they put into their final project. They already fill out a final reflection on how their effort affected their grade, but having them think about it before and during the project will be far more beneficial. Good post.
ReplyDelete