Thursday, October 25, 2012

Behavior Theory of Motivation

             Behavioral Theory of Motivation defined in simplest form would be to reward students for  learning. One's behavior is due to either external factors such as the factors that are outside the learners control. (which is the key focus of behavioral theory) whereas internal factors are under control of the learner.
         Rewards given out in this theory are given on a basis of participating or completing an activity or achieving a certain level of performance for getting an A+.
         
         The factors that affect perception of rewards: - Purpose of the reward
                                                                                - How students perceive the reward
                                                                                - The context in which the reward is given.

          A few guidelines to follow to meet the need of the students level of intrinsic rewards would be too :
             1.) Close monitoring by the teacher
             2.) Having deadlines and imposed goals
             3.)  Threats and directives and so on

         An activity you could do using the behaviorist learning theory for example if a goal at the end of the lesson is a “certificate of completion”, then the student and teacher have tangible proof of their success. They can also add speed and accuracy on the form along with a grade. They receive immediate feedback and in order for the students to receive positive feedback and a correct answer, they just need to focus on the instruction and put forth better effort and attention.

2 comments:

  1. Andra,
    Similar to what I think you are explaining is that the reading says "Task- contingent rewards" are percieved as controlling and actually diminish intrinsic motivation. One generic example of this is giving a sticker for completing a set of math problems.
    Giving a student a sticker for correctly completing all math problems would be an example of a "performance- contingent reward." These can increase intrinic motivation if they are positive and unanticipated.
    The bottom line is that the result of the reward depends on how the student percieves it and whether it seems to be relvant to their growth and performance.

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  2. Ways to make rewards effective:
    1. make them occasional and unexpected
    2. use expected tangible rewards sparingly
    3. use tangible rewards that are similar to activity
    4. Withdraw rewards as soon as possible
    5. use the most modest reward possible

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