In my thirteen years of teaching I have learned and tried different theories. It sometimes seems as though these theories are "here today, gone tomorrow". The one theory that I have always kept in my classroom, if even just a bit, is Behaviorism. Although I strive to show how important effort is to my first graders, they just don't understand it. Unless there is a reward for positive behaviors or a consequence for inappropriate behaviors, they see little reason to put forth their best efforts on a continual basis. Now, of course, this is not true for all students. I am speaking generally. It is my hope that as my students mature and see how rewarding putting forth their best will be, they will realize the true importance of effort.
I use Behaviorism in various ways within my classroom. We have a clip chart whereby students can move their clip up for desired behaviors or down for undesired behaviors. If they reach a certain point on the chart, they are rewarded with a Super Hawk note. After receiving ten Super Hawks, they are able to brag with the principal about their achievements. This has worked tremendously since all students love to see the principal for something positive. We also have Super Hawk forms that one child can fill out for another telling about a good deed that another student has done. After a while, students seem to forget about receiving a Super Hawk for everything, and just do it for the intrinsic reward.
In the area of academics, our school uses a Reading Counts program where students read a book each night and take a comprehension test on that specific book the next day. The students earn points and prizes each month for reaching a certain level. It is amazing to watch the faces of the children light up when they receive their prizes and are recognized by the administrator. If a student didn't reach the level needed one month, they are sure to reach it the next. The test that is taken is on the computer. Not only have my students' comprehension skills gone up, but so have their keyboarding skills. This has been possible through repetition and the students love it.
Another area where I use the Behaviorist approach is in memorizing math facts. It is part of our curriculum to have first graders memorize their math facts through twenty. Instead of the old flashcard way, we now use websites such as aaamath.com. I looked through the aplusmath.com site and it looked similar to the one I usually use. I do like the way that aaamath.com offers timed tests, which is what we do in first grade. I also like the way the level can be changed to match the competency level of the child. Another website that I use is spellingcity.com. Again, this site utilizes a more behavioral approach in that students earn points through their correct answers. However, it also allows students to do more than just spelling, such as word sorts and word finds.
In looking at some of the other websites, I have found that many of them are too difficult for my young students. As I pointed out earlier, my students are not able to track their own behavior with a computer program, but they are able to do something similar with the clip chart. The technology that is available for them is mostly game type, however, it has been very beneficial for me to use technology to show parents where their child stands academically. Somehow seeing a graph showing growth (or no growth) is very eye-opening!
Amy
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Amy, I have a son in third grade. I remember his kindergarten making classroom behaviors understandable through a system of red, yellow, and green lights. He understood very well that he needed to "stay on green" and not move to yellow - warning or red-consequence. I remember thinking at the time that it would be great if it were that simple in my high school classroom. Like your super Hawk note idea, I have begun handing out reward stickers (yes, to 17 year olds) for respectful, meaningful behavior...leading up to coupons for a fresh baked chocolate chop cookie at the school snack bar for sustained effor. Most students can just get their own 30 cent cookie, but they like the recognition when it comes from me. Students who are instrinsically motivated to behave well in class still appreciate the acknowledgement from time to time. :o)
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ReplyDeleteI also use www.aaamath.com to reinforce math skills with my second graders. Another great site that I have found is funbrain.com where there are skill based games that can be differentiated by the teacher, there is also a place for reading blogs which I would like to investigate further this year.
Christine
It is great to hear that you have 17 year olds who react to a reward system so willingly and positively! Good for you!
Minty
Amy,
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about powerful motivators using technology for the parents I think about our DIBELS spreadsheets. To be able to not only show the parents their own student's growth, but to in turn show them on a graph where their own student falls compared to the rest of the group sometimes is more powerful than words could ever say.
Tonya
Amy, I can really relate to your post. I teach second grade and use many of the same tings in my classroom. We have a program call Accelerated Reader which sounds much like your Reading Counts program. Students still loved to be recognized for a job well done (adults do too!) The behaviorist model definitely has a part in the modern classroom.
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