Currently I am implementing the instructional strategy of “reinforcing effort” in my Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) 8th grade class. Tuesday it was “strategy for success” day in the AVID class, and I planned for the students to discover their individual learning styles and multiple intelligences via last week’s learning resources. However, the internet was down and I happened to be reading about reinforcing effort, so I switched gears and came up with a strategy for success centering around the principle of “effort.” The students read the introductory paragraph of “Ch. 8 Reinforcing Effort” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 155). After reading, they wrote on a sticky at least one of the following: a question about the reading, a suggestion/idea about the reading, or an observation/connection to life pertaining to the reading. The students posted their sticky on the white board under the appropriate category. Volunteers read the students’ responses, and the whole class discussed them. After this activity, the students evaluated their effort in school using the “Effort Rubric” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 157) and shared and discussed their results. Finally, the students went to the computer lab and in Microsoft Excel, created Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski‘s (2007) effort/achievement template. In the near future, the students will be given opportunities to chart on their templates for four weeks. During this time, they will also be encouraged to continue thinking about the correlation between achievement and effort by having meaningful discussions with the teacher and their peers.
This strategy relates to behaviorist learning theory because it can be rewarding to students both intrinsically and extrinsically. For example, students can feel gratified internally by reaching their own personal goal of understanding how their effort attributes to their achievement. Furthermore, Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malinowski (2007) state that, “The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances student understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning” p. 155). Additionally, students can be extrinsically motivated to do well on this assignment because the teacher will give positive feedback about how well students have performed on it.
Finally, and in regard to “homework and practice” and the above instructional strategy on “reinforcing effort,” students have been clearly given the purpose and outcome of the assignment and will be provided feedback through meaningful discussions with the teacher and their peers.
Reference
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Megan,
ReplyDeleteI am really impressed that you were able to put this idea into practice so quickly, and now that I know what AVID stands for, I can see that you probably already have a strong background in this area. I think most teachers struggle to impart to students the importance of individual effort. By having students perform this "experiment," you are allowing them to discover the cause and effect relationship between effort and achievement for themselves in a way that is both engaging and memorable. Although this assignment is based on behaviorist learning theory, it also has the benefits of project-based learning. I look forward to updates on your students' experience.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteWhen using technology in schools, teachers often have to think on their feet. It sounds like you were able to create a valuable lesson right on the spot using the 3-2-1 Activity. This is a powerful way for students to process information and provides a forum for a meaningful class discussion! Nice Job! When the computers were up and running again, the students were able to immediately begin data collection.
Your connection between intrinsic and extrinsic reward was insightful. Is this a topic you cover in your class? Is this a class to help them develop the skills they need to be successful in high school and beyond? We recently started a freshman course to help students who were weak in organization, note taking and goal setting. I would love to hear more about how your students progress as the weeks continue. One of my colleagues has the students self-assess one week then alternates with her assessment of effort the next. Do you feel their self-assessments are accurate and if not, how will you guide them to an honest, accurate assessment?
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYes, AVID is a class for students to be successful in high school and beyond. It centers around organization, Cornell note taking, goal setting and W-I-C-R or writing strategies, inquiry, collaboration, and reading strategies. A couple times a week, students engage in peer teaching sessions where they come to the table with a higher-level thinking question from one of their classes. During the collaborative session, students help each other problem solve, reflect, take meaningful notes, and summarize.
You gave me a great idea for how I am going to continue having the students reflect or self-assess their learning from their other classes (they do this each week), and in addition, assess their effort. I was concerned about how I was going to have students accomplish this without getting overwhelmed. They will alternate; this makes more sense--thanks!
I do not know if students' self-assessments are accurate or not unless it is followed by some form of meaningful discussion where we talk about the importance of this in order for it to be beneficial. I am going to have to do some brainstorming on this. Thank you for the insightful question!
"Advancement via Individual Development" I have never heard of that, but I have to say I like it. "AVID" gives me a few thoughts my self on how I can work more at teaching the importance of indiviual effort and achievement. Self assessment test are something I believe I can implement in my class. I teach P.E. so I have to be a little innovative when its comes to these types of things. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.
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