Creating Digital Learning Environment Inspired by Behavior Learning Theory

This is Anasuya Chowdhury, a high school math teacher in HISD. I have been teaching in HISD for 13 years. Currently, I am teaching AP Precalculus, and serving as a Math Department Chair as well. I have a Bachelor's and Master's degree from India. I also have completed Post Baccalaureate in C&I Math and am in the process of getting a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. My objective is to integrate technology in instruction to enhance learning and my goal is to become Curriculum Specialist at the district level.

My other passion is music; I am a mom of a 23-year-old daughter and a wife of an awesome husband. 

Creating a Digital Learning Environment Inspired by Behavioral Learning Theory

Our focus today is to understand, how learner behavior is modified by environment in a classroom setting. In order to analyze changes in behavior of learners, let’s understand Behavior Approaches to Teaching, i.e., Contiguity, Classical Conditioning, and Social Learning Concepts.

Contiguity refers to simple stimulus-response (S-R) pairings, associations or connections. When a stimulus is regularly associated with another response, then S-R connection is established. Classical Conditioning occurs when we have established connection between a primary stimulus and a response, and then we pair a secondary stimulus with the original stimulus long enough so that it begins to evoke the original response, even when the original stimulus is absent. In a regular classroom setting, a bell can be considered as a stimulus which indicates end of a class. Students start packing bags and turning in their work at the bell or just before the bell. Operant conditioning refers to facilitated learning

through reinforcement. It presumes that if learners do something they are rewarded for, then they will do it again. Identifying what is rewarding to learners is critical. Some learners may be rewarded by verbal public praise while other may find it embarrassing.

Social learning or Observational learning can occur when we learn from watching others. For example, if learners see another person is getting rewarded for good work there is a possibility that others will follow or imitate similar practices.

As behaviorists are interested in how environment can be changed to get desired results, it is important to include programmed instruction, computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to reinforce learning. Although, drills and practice support Operant Conditioning, CAI can be used as a Cognitivist approach; some programmed instructions teach new concepts, promote creative tasks and problem-solving skills. Programmed instruction can be very effective as it generates extensive practice and reinforcement. In addition, Mastery learning

is another effective practice as it helps learners to learn in their own pace. In practice, all students might be expected to reach a certain level of proficiency, for example, say 80% and above on a test, some students can achieve the same goal by going through corrective instruction and by receiving additional time while high achievers can engage themselves in enrichment work. This practice supports Interventions which comes under Behavioral School of Thought. Reinforcing students for completing homework through intervention also supports Operational conditioning. Assigning a video related to the topic can also

reinforce learning. Additionally, creating a clear objective driven lesson plan helps students to know what the expectations are after the lesson. If the lesson is difficult or complex, it is better to introduce gradually; chunking can be effective. By showing the connection between previous and current lessons and assigning them to do research on real-world application of the lesson can also motivate them and draw their interest. Students can be rewarded not only for academic achievement but also for giving appropriate response, being respectful, being helpful, for completing work, attendance etc. Parents can be requested to enforce desired behavior at home to recognize enthusiasm for learning, effort and growth.

Lastly, as an educator, I believe, respecting the class, staying organized, showing

enthusiasm, modeling the best behavior consistently are very instrumental in creating a great learning environment.