Reinforcing Effort, Homework and Practice and how it relates to the Behaviorist Learning Theory

As I look at read through the material in 'Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works', I gained a lot of insight to the different things you can use with technology to keep students interested! In chapter 8, Reinforcing Effort, I found the Effort Rubric to be very interesting. Although at the Kindergarten level I would have to make it much easier to understand, the concept and ownership for the student was a great idea! I liked the way the teacher can set it up and then each week the students go in and actually grade themselves on the work they have done, all in the computer. I believe that this relates to the Behaviorist Learning Theory because it lets each student own up to their own selves. If they get a bad grade on the rubric then they know that they need to own up to themselves. Basically it is saying that you received the grade you did for the performance you showed in the class. That way they can look at what they got from the rubric and change it to make it better for themselves next time. The Behaviorist Learning Theory seems to be cut and dry, the student is either being reinforced or punished. With the spreadsheet that shows effort, the students that do their work and follow directions will be reinforced and the students that do the minimum or nothing will be punished with the grade that they receive. If a student gets a bad grade, he or she is just punishing themselves and can make it better next time by showing more effort to get that reward!

Reinforcing Effort, Homework and Practice