Behavioral Learning vs Intructional Learning

Dr. Orey states that behaviorist theory consists of reinforcement and punishment. These types of operant conditioning correlate with instructional strategies by “reinforcing effort to enhance students’ understanding of the relationships between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning” (Pitler, Hubbell , Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Students need to realize the importance of effort and technology can make it easier for students to track their effort.
“Homework and practice gives students a chance to apply what they have learned” (Pitler, Hubbell , Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Students can use a variety of technological tools such as Microsoft word and spreadsheets to practice such things as research, writing, and calculating in order to gain a better understanding of the material. This is also a type of reinforcement because they must first understand the content before applying it.
Enhancing student effort is all about getting the students to enjoy what they are learning. Technology is a great way to positively reinforce what the students are learning and actually make learning fun so that the students will want to continue in their efforts to learn more in future lessons.