Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on conditioning. There are two types of conditioning: classical and operant. Classical conditioning pairs a stimulus with a response, while operant conditioning uses rewards and punishments to modify behavior. B.F. Skinner developed operant conditioning using a Skinner box to reward rats' behaviors. In the classroom, teachers can apply behaviorism by rewarding good behaviors and punishing bad ones to shape student learning. The document provides examples of how a teacher's classroom may incorporate behaviorism through reinforcement and consequences.
3. Behaviorism
A theory of learning based upon the idea
that all behaviors are acquired through
conditioning.
Behaviorists assert that the only behaviors
worthy of study are those that can be
directly observed. Like actions, rather
than thoughts or emotions, which are the
legitimate object of study.
4. Behaviorism
There are two different types of conditioning.
Classical Conditioning: behavioral training in
which a naturally occurring stimulus is paired
with a response.
Operant Conditioning: learning that occurs
through rewards and punishment for behavior.
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5. Theorist
Burrhus Frederic Skinner (B.F Skinner)-
chairman of the psychology department at
Indiana University.
His entire theory is based on operant
conditioning.
In operant conditioning: “the behavior is
followed by a consequence, and the nature
of the consequence modifies the organisms
tendency to repeat the behavior in the
future.”
Imagine a rat in a cage (“Skinner Box”)
6. Theorist
Continuous reinforcement is every time the rat
does a good behavior it gets a reward.
Skinner was the first to discover the fixed ratio
schedule.
a fixed ratio between behaviors and reinforcers.
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7. In the Classroom
Teachers could use this theory to their
advantage.
Teachers can use operant conditioning all the
time.
When a student does something good or
maybe gets a question right they will get a
reward.
When a student does something bad they will
get punished or get something taken away.
8. In the Classroom
Classical
conditioning is better learned
than taught.
When something good happens they will
have a good response.
For example, if the student gets a good
grade on a test then the student is happy
and has a boost of confidence. That
confidence is their response.
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9. My Classroom
If a student gets a question right I will
reward them with candy or a trip to the
treasure box.
If a student does good on a test then they
can receive a few more minutes on the
computers.
In my classroom I will keep things equal. A
student will only receive what they
deserve.
10. My Classroom
Behaviorism is not just rewards. There are also
punishments. In my class if a student does
something bad then they will be punished.
If a student does not complete their
homework then they cannot play at recess.
If a student acts out in class they will have to
move their clip. If they move it too much
there will be a phone call home.
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