These modules were about the challenges and problems of behavioral learning as well as social cognitive learning theory and its applications.
In module 18 I found it interesting where it was talking about the rewards and how a person can either be given rewards or sometimes in self-management they will reward themselves. I found it interesting that their is a debate about whether rewards really work or not but I can see both points of view. I could understand how they may feel that if a person is rewarded for something they enjoy doing, they may not enjoy it so much when they are no longer rewarded. However, I do not know if I really agree with this. I remember classes where we were rewarded for reading books but I already enjoyed reading so much that it was just an added bonus and now that I am not rewarded for reading, I still try to find time to read. I feel that the upside of rewards is that it may influence someone who does not enjoy doing something to actually do it.
Also, as far as coming up with goals and then rewarding yourself. I feel as if this can be really helpful. Sometimes, I think that once I get through a certain amount of homework I will take a break to chat with a friend, read a chapter of a book for enjoyment, or watch an episode of a show before returning to the work. Not only does this help me to break up the load of homework but it gives me something to look forward to in between.
In module 27, it talks about how we learn from observing others and their consequences. I know this to be true because growing up, if I saw my older siblings get in trouble for doing something, or rewarded for doing something than I try to avoid the actions that may get me punished while emulating the actions that received rewards.
I like the point of view of rewards. It is interesting to me that students reward themselves. Obviously, we as college students do it, but how young do they start to do this themselves? Just like you do, I reward myself for finishing a paper by eating a treat or getting to watch a movie or something. It makes sense that all students would want to do this, no matter the age, but do they all have the capacity and motivation to do so?
ReplyDeleteI also liked your example of following siblings examples so you yourself did not get in trouble. I did this also and it really helped. Vicarious learning was a great tool as I grew up!!
First off, I agree to the extent that some rewards help motivate students to do something they didn't have an interest in at first. However, it is important, I think, to point out that every student is different. Your experience was that you enjoyed reading and found it an added bonus to be rewarded for doing it. But the whole purpose of rewards is to motivate those who don't already enjoy it. Hence, I think that in some instances it is okay to use rewards, for something like reading, but that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on reading itself. I don't think that just rewarding someone to read will get them to eventually enjoy it. For example, my husband doesn't like reading one bit. But, he loves sports and will read articles about it every day. My point here is that maybe the reward could be reading something that interests you. As teachers we need to find out what our students enjoy reading and expose them to many different kinds of literature (including sports literature if that what your student is interested in) and try to get the hooked to reading through things that have value to them already.
ReplyDeleteAlso, its funny what you guys have said about vicarious learning because I was the oldest in my family and so much of what I experienced was original to me. Just a funny thought.