Behaviorism

BEHAVIORISM

Hayley

DEFINITION

“the prediction and control of human behavior in

which introspection and/or independent thinking

play no essential part of its teaching methods”

THE BASICS

Relies on passive learners to respond to their

environment

Behavior is shaped through reinforcement be it

positive or negative

Focuses on behavior modification

THE BASICS CON’T

More emphasis on praising good behavior than on

punishing bad behavior

Focus on immediate reinforcement

WHO’S WHO?

Ivan Pavlov• Pioneer for classical conditioning

Burrhus Frederic Skinner• Explorer of operant conditioning

Edward Lee Thorndike• Developed trial and error learning• Learning improves with practice

John Broadus Watson• Believed that reflex was the basic unit of behavior

TEACHERS

Set rules and guidelines and follow them

Have immediate responses

Have praise responses and rewards instead of just

punishment

Follow the rules to

receive rewards and

praise• Will eventually not

need rewards for good behavior

Will stray from bad

behavior because of fear

of punishment

STUDENTS

REFERENCES

http://www.learning-theories.com/

http://

www.learningandteaching.info/learning/index.htm

Shelly, Gary B., Thomas J. Cashman, Glenda A.

Gunter, and Randolph E. Gunter. Teachers

Discovering Computers, Integrating Technology And

Digital Media In The Classroom. Course Technology

Ptr, 2007.