Learning Theories:BehaviorismKassandra Nancy BethElizabeth

What is Behaviorism?

• Behaviorism is a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are shaped by the interaction with the environment and are developed through conditioning.

• Behaviorism first appeared in the early 20th century and was considered a new branch of psychology.

• As the study of behaviorism grew, applications of the field to education became apparent.

People associated with Behaviorism

•Classical Conditioning• Ivan Pavlov• John B. Watson

•Operant conditioning• B.F. Skinner

Two Major types of Conditioning

Classical Conditioning• A process of behavior

modification in which a subject learns to respond in a desired manner such that a neutral stimulus is repeatedly presented in association with a stimulus that causes a natural response until the neutral stimulus alone causes the same response

Operant Conditioning• A process of behavior

modification in which a subject is encouraged to behave in a desired manner through positive or negative reinforcement, so that the subject comes to associate the pleasure or displeasure of the reinforcement with the behavior.

Behaviorism through Classical Conditioning

• While studying the digestive functions in dogs he noted his subjects would salivate before delivery of food.

• His research demonstrated techniques of studying reactions to the environment.

• He discovered classical conditioning and observed that when paired with an unconditional stimulus, a neutral stimulus can become a conditioned stimulus and produce the same response as the unconditioned stimulus.

Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)

Famous for his experiment on dogs

• Known as the father of behaviorism• He believed behaviors can be

measured, trained and changed.• Watson was interested in taking

Pavlov's research further to show that emotional reactions could be classically conditioned in people.• They accomplished this by

repeatedly pairing the white rat with a loud, frightening clanging noise.

Famous for his “Little Albert” Experiment

John B. Watson (1878-1958)

Behaviorism through Classical Conditioning (cont).

Behaviorism through Operant Conditioning

• Skinner found that behavior did not depend on the preceding stimulus as Watson and Pavlov maintained. Instead, Skinner found that behaviors were dependent upon what happens after the response.

• He believed If the consequences were bad, there was a high chance that the action would not be repeated; however if the consequences were good, the actions that lead to it would be reinforced.

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990)

Famous for his research on operant conditioning and negative reinforcement

• Punishment- Decreases Behavior

• Reinforcement- Increases Behavior

Classroom Implications for Students without Technology

• Students take direction from the teacher and work to master a task. Teacher demonstrates expected outcome.

• Lesson is reinforced through drills and repetition (example: flashcards

and worksheets). • Students must show mastery of a

skill (likely through testing) before moving to next unit (example, master a certain AR reading level before moving on to the next level).

• Reward is received after mastery of a skill is proven (ex: bonus coloring time once math facts are mastered)

Classroom Implications for Students with Technology

• Repetition and drills can be done online, providing instant feedback (example: IXL math gives instant feedback and review if answered incorrectly)

• Students can utilize software to make electronic flashcards and test each other (example: Quizlet. Students can work in groups to create Q&A for a segment of the lesson)

• Using a software game, students can unlock the next level or receive “rewards” for mastering a skill.

• Memorization takes place in a more engaging format, geared to what this generation has been raised on.

Classroom Implications of Teachers without Technology

• Under this theory teachers use positive reinforcement to achieve desired skills, be it academic or behavior. This is done gradually and in small steps.

• Example of classroom implementation: Teacher would like to improve student behavior regarding homework completion rates. Homework is not graded for accuracy but for completion. Each student will receive points for completion and the homework will be reviewed in class together for accuracy. Students are told some of the information will be seen on the upcoming quiz. The behavior of completing the homework relevant to the quiz is rewarded with points. In turn, this creates knowledge based level of subject material.

Classroom Implications of Teachers with Technology

• Sharing of data in the classroom in the form of graphs and spreadsheets regarding study behavior correlation with grade outcome can create a stimulus as described in Skinner’s theory for motivational study behavior outside of school.

• Integration of educational gaming such as Prentice Hall, funbrain.com utilizes the drill/skill method of teaching various skills. Immediate positive feedback is given for correct answers.

• Interactive response systems such as SMART Response

incorporates all above mentioned concepts.

Behaviorism and My Teaching • Since behaviorism centers on achieving a desired

response using positive reinforcement, I think this theory is naturally used by most teachers. Success in learning is largely linked to student motivation. When a student has a “reward” to gain based on maybe a test score or assignment completion, I believe their effort level to achieve that reward will increase. I would definitely integrate this approach in my teaching. Learning should be a positive experience and utilizing stimulus/reward theories and a great way to achieve desired results.

Sources• http://

psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/f/behaviorism.htm

• http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajorthinkers/p/pavlov.htm

• http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajorthinkers/p/bio_skinner.htm

• http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajorthinkers/p/watson.htm

• http://cie.asu.edu/volume8/number10/#behavior• http://derrickmgreen.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/b

ehaviorism-and-technology-in-the-modern-classroom/

• https://sites.google.com/a/boisestate.edu/edtechtheories/behaviorism-vs-constructivism-in-the-technological-secondary-education-classroom-

• http://derrickmgreen.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/behaviorism-and-technology-in-the-modern-classroom/