top of page

Behaviorism 

What we experience and how we experience it impacts our responses.

Theorists: B.F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndike, John B. Watson

Key: The focus is on observable behaviors instead of internal processes.

It was a dominating view in the first half of the 20th century. It is one of the more traditional views on education and I feel a default for many public institutions. This approach is at a disadvantage because it doesn't take into account emotions, moods and thinking patterns readily. (cognition)

Overview

Stimulus: a change to the environment

Response: reaction to the stimulus ( change in environment)

Classical Conditioning:  The stimulus is natural to the environment ( association) Over time it becomes conditioned. This is then referred to as a "conditioned" response.

Operant Conditioning: ( Popular in clinical settings) Reinforcement plays a big role here. At this point, it is either reinforcement or punishment. Invoking punishments makes it less likely the behavior will be repeated and vice versa.

 

Teacher:  In terms of the classroom, the teacher needs to be the facilitator in order to receive the desired outcome. Although there are a variety of factors at play, positive feedback is a cornerstone to this learning approach.

  • (Teacher) only source of knowledge

  • Controls all aspects of informational flow ( design, delivery, evaluation)

Tools: Rewards and Punishments ( both negative and positive)

Student: Passive is the only way to be! Students are the star of "operant conditioning". They only need to show their understanding.

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

702-467-8276

bottom of page