The Behaviorist Learning Theory

This is week two and I have yet to receive any resources from Walden. The assignment was to read Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works and the two strategies “Reinforcing Effort” and “Homework and Practice”. I contacted my son and found that he hasn’t received his material. We collaborated and were able to find some useful information on the internet that should help us to complete this assignment.

Based upon the research that I have read The Behaviorist Learning Theory and the two instructional strategies reinforcing effort and homework and practice go hand-in-hand. The Behaviorist Learning Theory is based upon desirable behaviors reinforced with rewards and undesirable behaviors with punishment. This is true with reinforcing effort, according to Marzano, Pickering, and Pollock,” Most students are not aware of the importance of believing that their level of effort is related to their achievement. When students are rewarded or praised for achieving specific goals, their level of achievement is higher” (2005). Homework and practice focused on the consequences of doing and not doing the assignments. Not doing an assignment usually results in a lower grade where completing an assignment was greeted with praise and a higher grade. A guide for teachers, Helping Your Students with Homework, stated students make greater gains when teachers set high expectations to them and when there is support and encouragement at home (2008).

Resources:
Marzano, Robert J., Pickering, Debra J., and Pollock, Jane E., Integrating Technology into the Classroom using Instructional Strategies, 2005 http://www.tltguide.ccsd.k12.co.us/instructional_tools/Strategies/Strategies.html#effort

Helping Your Students with Homework: A Guide for Teachers - February 1998 http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/HelpingStudents/1layout.html