Week 4 General Methods

This week we really dove into the exploration of the behavioral model/direct instruction strategy. We read about B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning and Watson's classical conditioning of behaviors. Skinner believed that the consequences of an action determined the behavior and the frequency at which such behaviors occurred. I really believe in his theory. PBIS is an extension of his work. Dr. George Sugai is the modern leader popularizing the use of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) in schools.

From my speech on Sept. 14, I was invited to attend an all-day PBIS workshop in which Dr. Sugai is the keynote speaker. That is for Tues., Sept. 28 at our famed Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY. I am excited and feel very privileged to be included.

Back to the behavioral model...
We were asked to fill in a direct instruction graphic organizer. A find exercise for someone like me who can rarely summarize anything!! I did it though. I liked doing it also! I think my lack of abilities in summarization comes from my lack of confidence in my memory. I have a very weak memory. I can visualize information in its sequence if I arrange it that way. The graphic organizer is so helpful for that purpose.
The most important item I realized is that direct instruction need not be boring. It needs to be structured and efficient for its purpose of teaching basic information for students to absorb into their long-term memories, but it need not be solely in lecture format!
And, after watching some short videos on direct instruction in action, I have come to believe in its effectiveness for these purposes.
I find when I substitute teach, I tend to use DI a lot because I had no other options. Unless the teacher leaves plans regarding learning center time or other pre-planned activities allowing other indirect methods, I don't want to veer off into too much unfamiliar territory.
As our class weeks progress, I will know more about the other strategies and could try to redesign the class lessons to incorporate other strategies than DI.
On to the next week...
Wendy