This document summarizes several theories of behavioral learning, including classical conditioning proposed by Ivan Pavlov, in which a stimulus becomes associated with a response; operant conditioning by B.F. Skinner using positive and negative reinforcement; and observational learning described by Albert Bandura where people learn through observing and imitating others. It provides examples of experiments conducted by each founder and discusses how aspects of their theories could be applied in classroom settings, such as using tutorials, drills, and reinforcement of student effort.

1. Behavioral
Learning Theory
By:
B. M. and J.T.

2. Foundational Scientists
• Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) & John B. Watson
(1878-1958). : Classic Conditioning
• B.F. Skinner (1904-1990): Operant Conditioning
• Albert Bandura (1925- ): Observational
modeling

3. • Ivan Plavlov
– classic conditioning- reflexive or
automatic type of learning in which a
stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke
a response that was originally evoked
by another stimulus.
• Pavlov was a Russian physicist who
believed the most prominent form of learning
involved making a new association between
events in the environment.
• He proved his hypothesis by conducting an
experiment where he trained dogs to
salivate at the sound a bell. He achieved
this by conditioning a previously
unconditioned stimulus, the bell, to illicit a
conditioned response, salivation. Each time
Pavlov gave his test dogs food covered in
meat powder, he rang a bell. Eventually, the
dogs learned to salivate at the sound of the
bell whether or not meat powder was
actually present.
Classic Conditioning

4. • John B. Watson (1878-
1958)
• Watson continued Pavlov’s work by
applying this theory to humans,
specifically a baby name Albert.
• The unconditioned stimulus in this
experiment was a jarring noise and
the unconditioned response was
fear of rats.
• Initially, Albert had exhibited no fear
when a rat was presented to him,
but after several traumatizing
experiences in which each time they
presented a rat to Albert a jarring
noise followed, the unconditioned
response of the fear of rats
presented itself.
…Classic Conditioning

5. • B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)
– Operant conditioning- a process
that attempts to modify behavior
through the use of positive and
negative reinforcement.
• Operant conditioning is the second
part to associative learning
• Skinner conducted experiments
pigeons and rewarded them when
they behaved in a desired manner
using positive reinforcers.
• Positive reinforcers are favorable
events or outcomes that are given to
the individual after the desired
behavior. This may come in the
form of praise, rewards, etc.
Operant Conditioning

6. …Operant Conditioning
• Other experiment that Skinner conducted
involved these variables:
– Negative reinforcers typically are characterized by the
removal of an undesired or unpleasant outcome after the
desired behavior. A response is strengthened as
something considered negative is removed.
– Positive punishment is when unfavorable events or
outcomes are given in order to weaken the response that
follows.
– Negative punishment is characterized by when an
favorable event or outcome is removed after a undesired
behavior occurs.

7. • Albert Bandura (1925- )
– Social learning theory- people
learn from one another, via
observation, imitation, and
modeling; Social learning theory
explains human behavior in terms
of continuous reciprocal
interaction between cognitive,
behavioral, and environmental
influences.
• Bandura’s work centered around the
concept of self efficacy
– Self efficacy- personal observation
about one’s perceived ability to
feel , think, and motivate oneself
• When Bandura started to reflect on a
person’s ability to retain information
through imagery he started to fall into
the category of a cognivitist.
Observational Modeling

8. In The Classroom (Teachers)
• Teachers can incorporate behavioral learning
theories in several different ways, but most use
a direct teaching method.
• Examples are:
– Tutorials
– Drill and practice
– Behavioral simulations
– Programed instruction
• Integrated learning systems are lessons that
combine multiple of these strategies.

9. In The Classroom (Students)
• In order to be learning, students need to be
engaged in lessons and put forth effort.
• Teachers giving reinforcement allows the
students to see that the more effort they put forth
they better they do in school.
• Another idea is using spreadsheet software and
having your students track their effort using an
effort rubric given by the teacher, will reinforce
learning when they are able to see that effort
does produce positive outcomes.

10. Reflection
• I would definitely use some aspects of the this
theory in my classroom, such as the teaching
methods:
– Tutorials
– Drill and practice
– Integrated learning systems
• I also really like the idea of students tracking their
own grades on a spread sheet so they can see how
effort does have a positive correlation with better
grades. I think this is especially a good idea for
around the 5th grade so students can see this before
middle school.

11. Credits
• http://www.learning-theories.com/
• Shelly, Gary B., Glenda A. Gunter, and Randolph E. Gunter. "Special
Feature: Learning Theorists and Educational Research." Teachers
Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology in a Connected World.
Boston, MA: Course Technology Cengage Learning, 2012. 257-80.
Print.
• http://www.biography.com/people/ivan-petrovich-pavlov-9435332
(photograph)
• http://www.biography.com/people/john-b-watson-37049 (photograph)
• http://www.biography.com/people/bf-skinner-9485671 (photograph)
• http://www.education.com/reference/article/bandura-albert-1925-/
(Photograph)
• http://viking.coe.uh.edu/~ichen/ebook/et-it/behavior.htm
• http://lonnieashton.edublogs.org/2010/03/22/behaviorism-in-practice/

12. The End.