Reflecting on Classmates Comments on Behaviorism and Instructional Strategies

As I reflect on behaviorism and effort in the classroom for this week's learning, I realize that effort is a difficult behavior to reinforce for some students. In the course text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the authors discussed using a spreadsheet with a chart to show students the correlation between effort and achievement. One classmate indicated that she though that this strategy would create high achievers and there would be an emotional response that would make a difference within students. She also indicated that it could depend on grade level taught. Another classmate indicated that her students were not motivated and would not respond to effort. I shared with them that that parental involvement helps motivate some students and that allowing extra time for computer games was a motivator for me to instill effort. In conclusion, each teacher must get to know his/her students to implement a strategy that works to help motivate his/her students in putting forth effort. A strategy that will work for one teacher may not necessarily work for another teacher.

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