1. Operant conditioning
2/5/2014
In this week lesson, I have learned about operant conditioning. Operant conditioning
focuses on using either reinforcement or punishment to strengthen or weaken the
behaviour. Through this process, an association is formed between the behaviour and the
consequences for that particular behaviour. In operant conditioning, the learner is rewarded
with incentive. For example, the learner actively participates and performs some type of
action in order to be rewarded or punished.
My primary school is one of the best schools in my hometown and it is located in Sitiawan,
Perak. When I was studying, I often complained that learning is boring and because of this I
resisted to do my homework. I often skipped my class and came out with a lot of excuses to
take a day off. Because of these reasons, I often failed my test as i never learn or study
properly and I don't understand what is going on. In addition, my parents are very busy.
Most of the time they are busying about their business. Therefore, I am not really care
about my homework and education as my parents did not check and concern about my
homework and education.
Before the mid-term exam, I refused to spend my time for revision as I thought exam is
wasting too much of my time. Therefore, I spent my time hanging out with my friends; we
went to shopping, cinema, played basketball, swimming and do other things that were not
related to the exam. I did not go for the exam by using headache as my excuse. Teacher was
suspicious with my excuse when I passed up my MC letter, she immediately informed my

2. parent as she wants to confirm with my parent whether my reason is true or not. After my
parent knew about it, they didn't scold or punish me as they know they cannot only put the
blame on me in this incident. They felt that they had fault also as they never really concern
about my education.
We sat down and discuss together that they need to be more concern about my education
and they had decided to participate during my learning progress. This is the way they can
make me understand that the learning process does not always have to be that tedious and
hope that this will instil more interest of studying in me. They sent me to tuition centre and
hired a private teacher to teach me. Gradually, my result had improved and I was enjoying
my class and appreciate what I had learnt. Finally, I reseat the exam and passed it. My
parents were very happy with my result although I don't have any A. With that, my father
occasionally awarded me a dictionary. I was so surprise with it.
UPSR was around the corner, my parent hope that I can achieve an outstanding academic
performance, so they tried many different ways to encourage me to work harder. My father
came up with an idea by awarding me money for achieving good grades. This aroused my
motivation to achieve it. Therefore, I set a goal for myself. My goal was to pass every subject
in the trial exam. My second goal was to get at least one A in my exam. Therefore, I tried to
put much more effort in my studies. I always jot down notes in my notebook and wrote
down the key points I had learned from each lesson onto a paper. Besides, I made a
timetable for the exam so that I can prepare myself when the test comes. Sometimes, I will
organise a study group among my friends. We will share notes, thoughts, ideas and solution
to a particular problem. I had improved a lot from these virtue manners.

3. Finally, it is time for UPSR. I was very nervous and I worried that I can't manage to do well in
my exam. In order to make myself relax, I took some deep breaths. I have done my
preparation and now I should give my best. A tired mind will bring no benefits, so it is
necessary to go into the examination hall with a refresh mind. Exam ended after three days,
I intensely waiting for the day my result release.
On the day the results release, all the standard 6 students had get their own UPSR’s
result .And as usual, I can see many students were so happy with their result, and some of
them were unsatisfied with it. When I had my result slip in hand, my parent and I were very
happy and satisfied with it. I managed to get 4 As. They never expected me to do so well in
my examination. Therefore, my father implements his promise and awarded me with
RM200.
This had inspired me to set a higher target for my PMR examination as I know I will get more
money from my father again if I do well in the exam. I was quite confident that I can do
better in my PMR compare to UPSR as I had three years to prepare it. I set a goal for myself.
My goal was to get at least two As in my exam. Therefore, I was working very hard for it. I
kept reading my notes every day after class to make sure that I remember all the lessons.
Besides, I will review my notes before the class. Times fly and PMR is around the corner. I
was very nervous on the examination day. But I tried to relax and do my best to face my
examination.

4. My result was declared on December and I have obtained a good result with 6 As. Although I
did not achieve full As but somehow I already achieved my goal. Apparently, my results had
improved a lot since UPSR. My parent felt very proud of me.
My next examination was SPM. I had to take10 subjects. It is going to be tougher. Well, I set
a goal for myself, that I will achieve at least 5 As. I never expect too much for myself as I
know my own limit and ability. Never expect too high as you will fall down onto the ground
really hard once you couldn't achieve what you are expecting. As usual, I worked very hard
in my studies. I concentrated in my lesson every day. It is very important for me to
concentrate in the topic I was studying. Two years after, SPM finally arrived. I don't feel
nervous at all as I already prepared enough to face it. Cheer!!!!
It was the result releasing day, I tried to keep a cool head before going to school. We were
told that the results will only be out at 10.30am. So, we waited. Then it was our turn to
redeem our result. My heart was beating faster than ever, as I waited for the teachers to
pull out my slip. She passed my result to me when she found my name. I screened it
carefully, eyeing for the Grade. What a shocking moment that was, I got nine As. I can't
believe that I would pass my exam with flying colours. My parents were very satisfied for my
result. I am very grateful to my family especially my parent, friends, school and tuition
teachers, your supports mean so much to me.
Operant conditioning focuses on using either reinforcement or punishment to strengthen or
weaken the behaviour. In an education setting, my parents utilize operant conditioning by
offering moneys as rewards for good behaviour. I can then turn in this knowledge to receive

5. some type of reward such as money. Through this process, an association is formed
between the behaviour and the consequences for that particular behaviour. For example, if
I get a good result, I will receive money as a reward. Besides, I will withhold the money if I
get a bad result. In the conclusion, I form an association between the education and
receiving the desired reward. Receiving award drives my desire to get a better result next
me.