Behaviorism is a learning theory that proposes behaviors are shaped by environmental interactions and conditioning. It emerged in the early 20th century and influenced education. Key theorists included Ivan Pavlov who discovered classical conditioning, John Watson who studied emotional conditioning in humans, and B.F. Skinner who developed operant conditioning using reinforcement and punishment. Behaviorism teaches skills through repetition, positive reinforcement of desired behaviors, and shows mastery before advancing to new concepts.
2. • 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.
4. 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.
5. • 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
6. • 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)
7. • 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
8. • 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)
9. • 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.
10. • 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.
11. • 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.
12. • 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.
