the behaviourist theory of learning
DESCRIPTION
This presentation on the behaviourist theory of learning was produced as part of the DTLLS course.TRANSCRIPT
The Behaviourist Theory of Learning
John W Gardner (1912 – 2002)
“We think of the mind as a storehouse to be filled when we should be thinking of it as an instrument to be used.”
What is the Behaviourist Theory?
Learning is nothing more than the acquisition of new behaviour based on environmental conditions – linking a new behaviour to a stimulus by providing reinforcement after the correct behaviour is produced.
The Theorists
Pavlov (1849 – 1936)Skinner (1904 – 1990)Watson (1878 – 1958)
Ivan Petrovich Pavlov
Russian scientistNobel prize winner in 1904Famous for “Pavlov’s dogs”
Pavlov’s Dogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpoLxEN54ho
Pavlov’s Theory
“Events that previously had no relation to a given reflex could, through experience, trigger a reflex.”
Fredholm, L. (2001). Pavlov’s Dog. <http://nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/pavlov/readmore.html?print=1> [accessed 29th March 2011]
Burrhus Frederic Skinner
American PsychologistAuthorFamous for “Skinner box”
Skinner’s Box
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQtDTdDr8vs&feature=related
Skinner’s Theory
“Changes in behaviour are the result of an individual's response to events”
Kearsley, G. (2011), Explorations in Learning & Instruction: The Theory Into Practice Database. <http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.html> [accessed 29th March 2011]
John Broadus Watson
American PsychologistCoined the term "Behaviourism" in 1913Famous for Little Albert experiments
Little Albert
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt0ucxOrPQE&feature=related
Watson’s Theory
“only observable events, and not mental states, are the substance of psychology”
Epstein, R. (1987), John B Watson. <http://www.answers.com/topic/john-b-watson> [accessed 29th March 2011]
Advantages of Behaviourism
Easily controlled by teacherSome learners benefit from repetitionRewards and punishments are clearEase of motivation
Disadvantages of Behaviourism
Ignores thought processes and emotionsRepetition may become boring Totally teacher orientatedLittle or no input from learners