Standard Five

Rationale: I have included this artifact, Behaviorism Theory Video, under Standard 5, Application of Content. This artifact demonstrates my understanding of how foundational learning theories can be applied to real-world classroom practices. Standard Five states the teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local/global issues. 

Through this video, I reflected on how behaviorist strategies like positive reinforcement, modeling, and structured routines can be used to support skill development, classroom management, and student motivation. This aligns with InTASC Standard 5, as it shows my ability to connect theoretical concepts to practical applications that enhance student engagement and learning.

1. What does this artifact represent about me as a teacher?

Creating a video about behaviorism shows that I am not only learning key psychological concepts but also actively thinking about how to apply them in ways that positively impact student learning and behavior. It reflects that I am a teacher who is intentional about understanding how students learn and respond to instruction, and I use that knowledge to shape effective strategies—such as reinforcement, modeling, and structured routines—to support classroom success. This artifact also shows that I approach teaching with a foundation in research and theory, and I strive to create a learning environment that is thoughtful, responsive, and rooted in best practices. 

2. How does this artifact reflect my personal growth and strengths as a teacher? 

This artifact reflects my personal growth in understanding how learning theory influences classroom practice. As I explored behaviorism, I deepened my ability to connect psychological principles—like reinforcement, repetition, and conditioning—to strategies I can use to support student learning and behavior in real time. Creating this video pushed me to think critically about the “why” behind many teaching techniques I’ve seen or used, helping me become a more intentional and reflective educator.

3. What skills do I want to improve in relationship to this artifact?

In connection with this artifact, I want to improve my ability to apply behavioral theory more intentionally and flexibly in the classroom. While I understand the key principles of behaviorism, I want to grow in how I translate those ideas into differentiated classroom strategies that support all types of learners—especially students who may respond differently to reinforcement or external motivation.

I also want to strengthen my skills in balancing behaviorist techniques with other learning theories. As I grow, I hope to become more confident in recognizing when a behaviorist approach is most effective and when a more constructivist, student-centered approach might better support engagement and deeper thinking.