Walden University – Course 6711: Week 2 Application

Reinforcing effort as an instructional strategy relates to the behaviorist learning theory in that it reinforces desirable behavior, lessening undesirable behavior through self-tracking of progress.

Effort means to genuinely try to achieve success. If students believe trying will lead to success, they will continue to put forth the effort. However, students often compare their achievement to the achievements of others; which breeds unrealistic goals. By having students collect data regarding their own knowledge and abilities, then track their progress, students are able to recognize and value their efforts and how it affects their learning.

In my Computer Technology class, I had students keep an electronic spreadsheet to chart their words-per-minute (wpm) progress throughout the semester. I thought of this after observing some of my students in the first semester class being hard on themselves for not typing as fast as some of their peers. The results showed all of my students had a significant increase in their typing speed whether they started at twelve wpm or thirty wpm. My students were able to put value in their own efforts and successes; challenging themselves, instead of focusing on their peers’ successes.

Homework and practice relates to the behaviorist learning theory in that it provides “multiple exposure to material [to] help students deepen their understanding of content and become proficient with skills” (Pitler, Hubbell,Kuhn, and Malenoski, 2007). The most fundamental strategy for learning a new concept or skill is through repetition and practice. Reinforcing the behavior of doing homework and practicing concepts and/or skills assists students in the comprehension of new material.

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