The behaviorist theory in very basic terms the repeating of an identified behavior until it is learned or mastered. Every strategy we utilize, every homework assignment we give, every tool we introduce all have a basis in behaviorism because it is meant to reinforce the end goal.
One resource that I read about this week that I was particulary impressed with was Microsoft Word. I was amazed to learn about these capabilities I have had at my fingertips and was never aware of. I am always struggling to find ways to make my special education students independent writers. In addition, to their spell and grammar check Microsoft Word has an application that gives a grade level rating to their work and an Autosummarize tool that will help the student decide if their objective of the paper has been met. Based on the results they recieve they may be able to do a revision before involving me or another teacher. More often than not these students are unaware that their work is missing the mark. It is just another tool we can give them to reinforce the skill of using diverse and descriptive vocabulary and formatting their writing appropriately.
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My favorite statement of your post is "Every strategy we utilize, every homework assignment we give, every tool we introduce all have a basis in behaviorism because it is meant to reinforce the end goal."
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Reinforcement is what we do as educators. Without reinforcement (a huge part of the behaviorism theory) education would not be what it is today. We reinforce great behavior and we reinforce the content we teach.
I also had no idea that Microsoft Word had grade level ratings and and autosummarize tool. I have been using Microsoft Word for years and was shocked to find out I could do something new with the program. I would love to play around with it and see if it would be useful with my first graders.
Miss Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI have used the grade level ratings when writing fluency passages for my students. It is a great way to make sure the passage is exactly at grade level so that parents and students can get a good idea of what someone at grade level can read fluently.
Wow this is an exciting new tool, that I'm going to experiment around with my 6th graders incorporating technology and science.
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