5th Grade Mathematics- FractionsKelsey Shirley

Behaviorist Theory

John B. Watson Ivan Pavlov B.F. Skinner

Key Theorists

Behaviorism is a theory that focuses on learning through changes in behavior. The behaviorism theory draws back to Jean Locke’s tabula rasa, the idea that everyone is born with a “blank slate” and that they are conditioned by positive and negative reinforcements in their environment. (Learning Theories)

Through behaviorism, learning is determined by changes that the learner makes. For the most part, behaviorism is associated with Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning and Watson and Skinner’s Operational Conditioning. (Atherton)

Key Points of Behaviorism

Key Points of Behaviorism (Continued)

Classical conditioning can be defined as “reflex learning.” For example, at the sound of bell a dog is presented with food, and the dog naturally begins to drool. Then, every time the dog hears the bell it will begin drooling because of the expectation of the food stimulus. (Atherton)

Operational conditioning can be described as learning a behavior by doing something then experiencing the consequences. (Atherton) For example, an elephant is in its exhibit at the zoo. There is a button that, if pushed, will release peanuts. The elephant experiences operational conditioning by learning to push the button to receive peanuts.

Classroom Implications (Teachers)

Under the behaviorism theory, the teacher must take part in many things. To begin, the teacher must present her student with a concept she wants them to learn. Then, the teacher needs to develop a reinforcement system that will condition her students to think on the right path.

An example of a way she could accomplish this without technology would be to reward her math students with a treat by solving a math problem. The reinforcement here would be the treat, and the conditioning would come from learning the math problem. This is an example of operational conditioning.

An example of a way the teacher may accomplish this with technology would be by allowing her students to use education-relevant technology in the classroom, like computers or a smart board. For a math class the teacher could allow her students to answer a problem in front of the class on the smart board. The technology of the smart board is still really exciting to most students and would condition them to work and pay attention so they may get the chance to work on the smart board. This would be an example of classical conditioning. Every time the teacher decides to use the smart board, students would be more motivated to pay attention.

Classroom Implications (Students)

Also with the behaviorism theory, the student must engage themselves with the conditioning. The student must first be willing to participate in the conditioning. From here, the student would have to let their instincts kick in. As in the previous example, the student will know that completing a problem will get them a treat. Naturally students love getting something in return for their work. With technology, like a smart board, the student will know that they will get a chance to “play with” (work on) the smart board. The student will have to pay attention and do the work so they won’t miss the opportunity.

Personally, I would like to use the behavior theory in my classroom. I love the idea of a rewards system in the classroom and I think it is one of the best ways to motivate kids to learn. However, I am definitely against a punishment system, unless it is in regards to citizenship. I don’t think there should be any type of punishment in regards to learning a lesson. This even includes when students receive bad grades. An unsatisfactory grade should not be looked at as a punishment, but as an implication that this student needs help in one way or another. It should merely be seen as not receiving a reward.

What do I think?

Behaviorism QuizKelsey Shirley

Using the information from the previous slides, answer the following four questions by clicking on the correct answers. After you have selected your answer, please press the GREEN ARROW buttons on the bottom of each page to navigate to the next or previous questions. One you move on to the next question you may not return to the previous. You may press the START button to begin your quiz.

Which of the following theorist is responsible for Operational Conditioning?

A. Ivan PavlovB. John B. WatsonC. B.F. SkinnerD. All of the aboveE. B & C

Behaviorism Quiz

INCORRECTThe correct answer was:

E. B & C

The correct answer was:

E. B & C

CORRECT

True or False: A mouse is put into a specially designed box that, at the push of a button, will release food every three hours. During the times the button is not set to release food, it instead will send the mouse a small shock. Eventually the mouse learns to only push the button every three hours. This is an example of classical conditioning.

True

False

The correct answer was:

False

The correct answer was:

False

Fill in the blank: Through behaviorism, learning is determined by _______________.

A. repeating the same process regularlyB. changes that the learner makesC. changes in the learners conditionsD. changes that the teacher makesE. None of the above

The correct answer was:

B. Changes that the learner makes

The correct answer was:

B. Changes that the learner makes

In the example of how a teacher can include the behavior theory in her classroom without technology, what was used as a reinforcement?

A. Use of the Smart BoardB. A treatC. Punishment for getting the problem wrongD. Bad gradesE. Yelling at the students

The correct answer was:

B. A treat

The correct answer was:

B. A treat

CONGRATULATIONS!You have finished

the Quiz!

Learning Theories. (n.d.). Behaviorism.

Atherton, S. J. (2011). Learning and Teaching; Behaviourism.

Works Cited