After completing this week's resources, I can clearly see how the behaviorist theory is visible throughout various types of instructional strategies. The behaviorist theory focuses on the idea that a desired response must be rewarded in order for learning to take place. Reinforcement is the key and that can be accomplished using both negative and positive rewards in the classroom. According to Pilter, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski (2007), "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 authors further detail an example of an Excel spreadsheet and explain that students can keep track of information and seek rewards based upon data. Chapter 10 of "Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works" describes the idea that practicing a skill increases the probability that knowledge will indeed occur. This directly relates to B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning, the idea that behaviors that lead to favorable outcomes are repeated over time.
In addition, our course text also lists several websites that students may use to practice various skills at home. Within these websites, students receive positive reinforcement when answers are correct and are able to move on to the next question, level or topic of study. Students are also rewarded negatively based on wrong answers and are given another question or must return to the beginning level within the particular activity. Dr. Michael Orey explains that "programmed instruction", using online tutorials, are excellent examples of behaviorism and should provide a small amount of information using guided questions with both correct and incorrect answers (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). I look forward to using the behaviorist theory in my class when appropiate in order to increase the probability that my students will demonstrate proper behavior and provide educational responses to a given topic.

Have a great week!!!!

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved May 4, 2009, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/


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