Behaviorism

Behaviorism I believe still has its place in the classroom. Whether it is by way of classroom management and getting desirable behaviors from students, or technology such as tutorials, we want students to understand there are expectations that directly correlate with learning. We as teachers have set an understanding of what we require the behavior to be if the students don’t follow the behavior plan they understand what the consequences will be. This will create a superior classroom environment that is safe, organized, and enjoyable for the students and my self.

One strategy that correlates with the behaviorist learning theory is reinforcing effort. Reinforcing effort as stated by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski in Using technology with classroom instruction that works, “The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning” (2007, p. 155). This is important because students need to understand how the effort of studying directly correlates with the grade that they are receiving. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski also state two generalization that “not all students realize the importance of believing in effort and students can learn to operate from a belief that effort pays off even if they do not initially have this belief” (p. 155). As I stated above we have to help our students to understand how this works. Also we need to evaluate whether the students are putting forth the effort. This will allow use to talk to the students about the assignment and come to an understanding about why they got the grade they did. Some of the things we will be able to discuss with them are, are they taking notes, do we have there attention, are they doing there homework, ect..

According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski, “as an extension of the classroom, homework provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the content and to gain proficiency with their skills” (p. 187). I believe that assigning homework is a reasonable way for students to practice what is being taught in class. However, there are some teacher that choose to give a student busy work for homework. I disagree with this. Students should be required to do homework that is going to benefit them. Another good quote I found that supports this is again from Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski. They stated that “Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency. This shows that students gaining knowledge for the work. Also, students will understand that they will be reinforced for good behavior and punished for undesirable behaviors. Both the instructional strategies of reinforcing effort and homework and practice have a positive association that relates to the behaviorist theory.


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