I step into my classroom
as calm as can be
and hope that my students behaviour
will reflect what I believe
Through coaxing , bribes and rewards
I keep my students in line
for with this method they will learn
how to work and shine!
When they begin to falter
I take away, what they love
they will either be punished
or definitely have no fun.
(Orey,2001).
Through positive reinforcement
My students will then come alive
for they will be rewarded
through a praise, reward, or a smile.
Reinforcing efforts of a student
is as easy as one, two, three
for I can take pride in building
my students' self esteem.
Graphs, diagram and spreadsheets
is and instructional technique that can be used
to track the effort of a student
so they can feel good within school.
(Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007).
It is through visual representation
students will then begin to see
the amount of effort that they have put in
is what has helped them to achieve.
(Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007).
Technology can now aid in home work
for it makes the learning more fun
it can be done now collaboratively
or through a thing called a blog.
Wikis, podcastings and discussions
are the variety activities that can be used
It no longer has to be done alone
while students get the blues!
Feedback is done more quickly
students will now understand
for it is through this new technology
they can now be all they can!
New behaviours will begin to alter
posititive atitudes will form inside
while 21st century skills will develop
leaving the class teacher with a smile.
This is easily the most creative blog posting I've read for purpose of a class! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you are able to identify that sometimes what we call positive reinforcement is nothing more than a "bribe." While coaxing is effective, external reward, just like with adults is extremely motivational. And when you convince someone to do something because they understand they will receive a reward, that is technically a bribe! I see the merit in this, although as I'm sure you agree, it can't a strategy that is overused.
As for punishment, this year I've been trying something new in regards to how things are taken away to bring about the positive behavior. I've just seen too many cases where the student really doesn't mind losing something and the punishment actually creates more of a divide between the student and me, or between the classroom students and the person who needed the punishment. I'm still searching for new strategies but this is just something to consider.
One strategy I have employed even before this class was allowing students to track their progress using spreadsheets and graphs. It has enabled some students to correct work ethic before it was too late, and sometimes even created friendly competition among students. They can see (visual stimuli) when effort has benefited them academically, and when lack of effort has lessened their ability to achieve success. Have you tried this yet in your own classroom?
And with a classroom of students who don't have Internet access at home, I have not been able to figure out how to integrate technology with homework. One day I'm hoping this will be an option because I can see the great motivational power technology has. What is your homework policy and have you been able to use technology in your homework assignments?
I love how you expressed your thoughts, feelings, and facts in a poem format. Very creative and impressive!
ReplyDeleteAs you mentioned, the use of visual representation is one way to assist students in understanding their progress and efforts in the classroom. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski (2007) accentuated that utilizing visual representations help “students and teachers track the effects of effort and facilitates more immediate feedback” (p. 156). As educators, we try to reach all learners in today’s classrooms, however, we need to be cognizant of the fact that many of our students are digital natives. Today’s students have embraced many media rich resources since infancy; therefore they are accustom to receiving instant gratification. Due to these changes in student learning and expectations, educators need to utilize technology to reach their students and promote academic success. Utilizing visual representations like spreadsheets, students are able to make a connection between their efforts in the classroom and their actual grade in that subject area. As a result, “students begin to recognize that when they work harder and in specific ways, they earn better grades on their quizzes and homework checks, and do better overall” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 160). Furthermore, the implementation and execution of visual representation of the students’ efforts and grades will help to “improve certain areas by increasing or refocusing their efforts” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 160). As a result, visual representations are another tool to assist in student achievement and success in the classroom.
Melissa Smith
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Melissa
ReplyDeleteYour comment is so true. When I use to teach younger students and told them that they had to do homework, they would be so resentful. I find that by using technology in ways that are beneficial and fun to students will allow students to enjoying doing their homework. An example of this, is today. I was watching my son do written homework. He was so uninteresting. Every two seconds he was up and about. I was so upset, and was continuously yelling at him to finish. I then went on the computer and placed an interactive game which reinforced the same concept that he was doing prior and up to know Jaiden is still practicing and enjoying what he is doing. Orey(2001) states that "when applied in a meaningful way, technology can be used to strengthen these connections and promote learning."
Najele,
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice way to post to your blog!
Bribe? Bribe? Who says we "bribe" students....oh yeah, the piece of candy if they earn enough class points....
I think the behaviorist method of rewards and praise is indeed a "bribe" in a sense. They know they will bet a verbal pat on the head or a treat if they do this or that the right way.
We are not passing an envelope stuffed with bills under the table to them, but they know they will "get" something extra if they perform a certain way or earn a certain grade.
I once, jokingly, had a poster on my classroom wall with the class rules, expectations, and consequences on it. I also had a column labeld "bribes" and under it was listed what they would "get" if they earned a certain score on certain projects.. I thought it was cute and somewhat honestly funny, but the principal was not so ammused. She let me keep it up for the grading period but politely mentioned I might want to change it for next quarter.
take care
Rob Z
Very, very cool and creative Najele. I would give my students a big thumbs up for out of the box thinking. I agree that bribes are being used in the classroom. One persons reward is another bribe. It is very interesting to read your poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!!
ReplyDelete