Reinforcing effort and homework/ practice are two instructional strategies that are closely linked to the behaviorist principals of learning. Pitler et al. (2007) noted that "the instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning" (p. 155). The behaviorist theory of learning places great emphasis on the learner responding to external stimuli. Once the required behavior is received then reinforcement ensures that the behavior is repeated. It is important for students to understand the importance of making an effort to achieve the desired outcome. Pitler et al. (2007) emphasised that technology, such as spreadsheet software can assist students and teachers to track their efforts and achievement.
Homework and practice give students a chance to review, apply what they learn and to master important skills through practice (Pitler et al. 2007). Indeed skills are not fully applied without frequent practice. There are a number of computer software that provide practice using tutorials, assimulations and drills. Technology enables practice exercises to be done at home, under similar school conditions.
I attended a technology conference last year that had some good ideas about homework. The Physics and Chemistry teacher prepared podcast of lectures for the students to observe and listen to and the application part of the lecture was then handled in class. The teachers were then available to observe and reinforce the practical application end of the skill in class. For students without internet downloaded podcast on flashdrives or CD's. Achievement scores excelled.
ReplyDeleteTechnology has a powerful influence on children. My wife had her two year old nephew over for the weekend and I took the opportunity to do a little experiment. I read a book with him, with all the antics and all the animal sounds I could make. He was excited and stayed with me for about 6 minutes. I then went on the computer, opened a tutorial for a game and read the instuctions aloud. He was totally excited and stayed with me for over half an hour and clung on to me when I tried to put him down. My wife, who is also a teacher, witnessed what had happened and is asking to take my laptop to school. Technology is a great instructional resource for preschoolers. In addition, it is an excellent support for teachers who follow the behaviorist learning models.
ReplyDeleteIn my class I usually assign homework to reinforce what is learned at school. It serves a dual purpose of additional practice for my students and as a chance for their parent to see what their child is learning at school and work closely with their child establishing the concepts. Hopefully, if the child is struggling the parents will take the additional time to work with the child or at least send me a note requesting some additional help. Some of my parents to follow-up for additional time and help.
ReplyDelete@clewis
ReplyDeleteWere the lectures given as homework before the concept was introduced in the classroom, like a preview? If that is the case I love that idea! What happens though to the one or two students that don't have the resources to watch the DVD either? I like that the teachers didn't leave the students to try a new skill at home away from the guidance of the teacher. Listening to a lecture is a lot less stressful of a homework assignment than trying to do something the student may not fully understand. It would also allow the parents to have a better idea on how to help with future assignments on the same topic because they can review the lecture as well. I think I would take this idea a step further and assign the students the task to come in with questions about the lecture and discussion topics to begin the class with, before starting the application part of the lesson. Great idea!!!!
It is so true that technology gives the greatest opportunity to apply skills that take frequent practice. A major problem is that many of my students do not have computer access at home. Furthermore, students who have computers at home would rather spend time on MySpace rather than educational practice.
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteThe two teachers that conducted the session taught at a low income school and found that all students had a DVD player or Playtion. They used the podcast to introduce and reinforce concepts, this allowed time in class for collaborative projects for application of the skills.