I have to say that in the environment that I teach, there is not much room for the behaviorist learning theory. In the aquatic environment, tutorials described by Dr. Orey do not have any real place. I do not use computers as a part of everyday lessons. Once in a while they are used to download information from heart rate monitors, but never really to teach new material. I do however use this theory as a disciplinary tool. Using praise to encourage student’s behavior and skill progression has proven to be very effective. The only problem that I have with this strategy is that I don’t know if students are simply hungry for praise or if they are actually being trained to do the right thing. I have to say that having read chapter 10 of the text “Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works” and reading the online article “Behaviorism Tutorial” from Athabasca University, I have learned of another way that I continuously utilize the behaviorist theory of learning. That area is practice. Within the subject of physical education, students are expected to perform certain skills at various times throughout their career as students. To narrow the subject down even more, when students are asked to perform certain swimming skills within a set amount of time, much of the unit is dedicated to practice and repetition. When I talk about using this method I feel like it sounds lazy or monotonous, but it actually works, and with a little bit of creativity students can practice skills without actually knowing it. I guess that my point is that no matter how badly educators want to push this theory to the side, I think that it would be difficult to find a teacher who does not use the behaviorist learning theory in one way or another.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Behaviorst Learning Theory
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It's interesting that even in physical education, behaviorism has found a place that it can be used. Praise for correct behaviors and training is so important to students and to young athletes, as I can well understand. I swam comkpetitively for a number of years on our local YMCA team and our coach was really great at the praise for good work. I hope you have continued success in this area.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most teachers use some form of behaviorist learning theory whether they know it or not. I feel that behaviorist learning ideas or methods are use in almost every aspect of life, especially when trying to learn a new skill. Homework and practice is a procedure that most teachers use and is a behaviorist method for learning. According to Pitler, Hubell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, “homework provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the content and to gain proficiency with their skills. I rarely give homework in physical education unless it’s reinforcing class concepts and/or if students are analyzing movements/skills. If available I have students capture images of themselves and others practicing a skill to help them gain a better understanding of the correct technique. This allows me to incorporate technology and the “behaviorist” practice aspect of learning.
ReplyDeleteGreg-
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Josh,
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to incorporate biokinetics into your teaching on technique. I received by B.A. in Sports Medicine and found that bio feedback, biokinetics and psychcybernetics increased my performance as a college baseball player. Is is possible for you to use video analysis that compares your athletes techniques to Michael Phelps or who ever?
I also support positive reinforcement as probably the only true value of the behaviorist theory. Gaining a skill in sports usually does need only a repetition and a drill. I understand your concern about creating "praise junkies" but I think that no praise can replace the feeling you have once you are doing the right thing. So, I would not worry about it too much.
ReplyDeleteI have had to great fortune to observe veteran music/chorus teachers of 30+ years in the Buffalo area. Each of them uses praise and positive reinforcement as a guide with everything they say to their students. Instead of saying to a child who is chatting with another student "please stop talking" they would say to one who is silent "thanks for not talking!" or "I'm so impressed with your listening skills!" I have seen first hand that this approach keeps the atmosphere happy and upbeat and encourages all of the kids to behave in the expected ways to stand out to the teacher. Some may say that doing this would make "praise junkies" but I think it gets kids into good habits that will become common practice. Most of the time, positive rules over negative. If teachers can find the balance between staying positive but also not letting kids get away with anything, students will respect them more.
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteWe do use video of high level athletes to improve stroke technique for our swimmers. Actually our swimmers travel to camps throughout the state and country, and often times bring home a DVD of themselves swimming recorded on an underwater camera. We sit down and review what is happening mechanically under water to improve technique. It is actually pretty cool to see the aspect of each stroke that we don't usually get to see.