Behaviorism contends that desired behavior from people is formed by the actions and reactions of other people rather than an individual’s own free will. This means that by carefully and deliberately shaping desirable behavior, morality and information is learned by individual, so important causes of, and motivations for behavior lie outside, rather than within an individual. Therefore for behaviorists, all learning is observable and measurable.
Learning occurs in a behaviorist classroom as a result of responses to stimuli in the environment that are usually reinforced by the teacher, as well as feedback from actions on certain learning objects. The teacher helps the student learn through conditioning them by explicitly identifying the desired behavior in ways that are measurable and observable.
Programmed instructions, applying the principle of faultless learning in designing instructional materials as well as task analysis, are applications of behaviorist approach. The strategy of mastery learning is also based on the cognitive approach, with the cumulative nature of learning, where every student must master a certain unit before moving on to another unit. Lastly, behavior modification and behavior strategies, such as the rules-rewards-punishment approach, are one of the most widely used applications of behaviorism.
When applied to online learning, behaviorism can work in such a way that learners can be informed of all learning expectations which provide parameters for them to move in. Whatever is expected of them can be told in an explicit, specific way and these outcomes will be clearly given by the learner in a given period of time. Course designers for online learning will be able to logically define sequences o...
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... can take charge and make decisions on their learning goals. Instructors can focus on interactive, collaborative and cooperative learning activities. The instructor must develop skill in assessing the current state of learners and adapt the learning experience to support their attainment of goals. The instructor must also have an understanding of individual learning styles to provide effective strategies to help learners plan, monitor, and evaluate their thinking during learning. Since constructivism sees each learner as a unique individual, it is highly effective in a one on one online learning course.
The three different learning theories can be applied to online learning, though their degree of effectiveness varies. It is important to have a basic conceptual understanding of learning theories to be able to effectively develop a good online learning program.
Behaviorism, or learning theory is one of three “grand theories” of human development. The focus of behaviorism is observable behavior, with no reference to mental processes. As a learning theory behaviorism, assumes that learning occurs via interactions with the environment, through the process of conditioning.
The quote from the famous psychologist John B. Watson essentially sums up behaviourism. Behaviourism refers to the school of psychology founded by Watson, established on the fact that behaviours can be measured and observed (Watson, 1993). In behaviourism, there is a strong emphasis that the acquisition of learning, or permanent change in behaviour, is by external manifestation. Thus, any individual differences in behaviours observed was more likely due to experiences, and not by the working of genes. As the quote suggest, any individuals can be potentially trained to perform any tasks through the right conditioning. There are two major types of conditioning, classical and operant conditioning (Cacioppo & Freberg, 2012).
Behaviourism main theorist included Skinner, Pavlov and Thorndike who describes this theory as having a ‘stimulus and response’. Petty states, ‘learners are motivated by expected reward of some kind (such as praise or satisfied curiosity); learning will not take place without it’ (Petty, 2009:15-16). In addition, there should be immediate reinforcement otherwise this will cause a delay in learning. Another principle of behaviourism is the learning should be step by step and not all at once and by doing so the learner has successions of successes which increase their motivation that leads ‘to more complex behaviour’. Petty also states that ‘effective teachers stress key points and summarise them at the beginning and at the end of the class and, makes use of old learning in developing new learning’ (Petty, 2009:16).
A. Behaviorism, constructivism and cognitivism are relatively common theories used in the classroom as ways to approach student learning. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior, such as students answering questions correctly, or being able to follow directions to complete a task as instructed. Characteristics of a classroom that uses behaviorism might be memorization of facts, writing vocabulary words, or a token reward system to inspire the desired behavior and decrease undesired behaviors. Constructivism, as indicated by the root word “construct,” focuses on the construction of new ideas, or expanding on what is already known. Students in a classroom using constructivism as a means for learning might seem more actively engaged in the learning process; they often learn something new through applying what they already know about the content area, and exploring new matter to further their understanding. This type of classroom often uses hands on manipulatives to allow students to actually build, create, or experiment with what they are learning. A cognitivism approach to learning might be explained by the minds capacity to process information – such as how a learner might remember something, retrieve information, or store new concepts. Learning through this method often depends on how the student processes what the teacher is presenting. Classrooms using this approach might incorporate learning strategies that help students categorize and sequence information to assist with processing. Like constructivism, it can be an active style of learning.
Behaviourism is where a person learns through responding to stimuli so as to optimise their own situation. This means that humans have a need to learn so by adapting to a changing environment around to be able to survive. For instance a learner who has some sensory impairment will adapt their own learning styles to accommodate for this barrier by adapting method and using experience they are able to achieve the same learning outcomes as other learners.
Behavioral psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and alteration of people's behaviors, including their actions, emotions and thoughts. ... Techniques that may be applied include cognitive restructuring, behavioral modeling and, most commonly, classical and operant conditioning. John B. Watson is known for establishing the psychological school of behaviorism. He along with B.F. Skinner suggested that environmental influences such as parental approval and social customs shape us into wanting certain things and not wanting others (Rathus, S. A.). Reinforcing good behavior and punishing bad behavior is common within society. Behaviorism studies behaviors that can be measured or observed (Y). Positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement are used in behaviorism. An example would be if a behavior has been good and tasks assigned have been completed, then positive reinforcement is rewarded. If behavior has been poor and tasks assigned have not been completed then negative reinforcement is rewarded, maybe by taking something of value from that person until they complete tasks. Behavioral was placed second because I felt it flowed well behind Social Cognitive in addressing positive and negative
It focuses on understanding the learner and their needs and not just on a problem to fix. When working on a new course the designer has a defined roadmap of where to start and how to go through the process until the end. This is useful for instructional designers because there are no questions about what to do next. Since technology is built into the design, this is a strong format for designing an online course. The learner will have opportunities to participate and use active learning throughout the class as well.
According to the video entitled Behaviorism: A general overview of behaviorist learning theory, this approach to learning rejects the emphasis on the conscious and unconscious mind and focuses on the observable behavior of the subject. The principle of the behaviorism theory is that there is a direct association between a stimulus and the response an individual makes, the change in an individual’s behavior indicates that learning has occurred, and that individuals are not born with disposition to act in particular ways (Ormrod, 2012). In classrooms where the behavioral technique is used, there are often behavior modification and token reward systems in place (Campana, 2011).
Behaviorism is a learning theory or a developmental theory that measures observable behaviors that are produced by the learner’s response to stimuli. On one end of the spectrum behaviorism is known as an attitude. At the other end, it is known as a doctrine. According to the behavioral views of human development, behaviorists argued that to focus attention on unobservable constructs, such as emotions, thoughts, or the unconscious, was an unscientific approach.(Craig & Dunn, Ex.: 2010)
Behaviorism was developed to study observable behavior. Because behaviorism describes the learning process it is also known as the learning theory. Behaviorists indicate that learning and development progress over time, and that the process is due to natural behavior guidelines that control responses and actions. Behaviorism theorists explain conditioning as a response that is paired with a specific stimuli, and thus learning begins. The two types of conditioning are classical and operant. These two types of theories are different in many ways, but are also extremely similar.
As the name implies, behaviorism focuses on people’s behaviors, which are directly observable, rather than on the mental systems underlying these behaviors (Narasimhan, 1998). Language is viewed as a kind of verbal behavior and it is proposed that children learn language through imitation, reinforcement, analogy, and structured input (Fromkin, Rodman & Hyams, 2003).
There are seven learning styles and techniques. The first kind of learner is a visual learner also known as a spatial, this is when someone prefers using pictures and images to understand a topic. The aural learner also known as the auditory-musical person, is a person who prefers using music or sound. There is the verbal learner or the linguistic person who prefers using words, both in speech and writing. Next is the physical learner also known as the kinesthetic learner, the preference of this learner would be using the body, hands, and sense of touch to learn. Following that would be the logical thinker or the mathematical person, who prefers using logic, reasoning and systems to learn. The social learner also known as the interpersonal learner is someone who prefers to learn in groups and with other people. This type of learning style can be great for student in the traditional classroom setting. Last there is the solitary learner or the intrapersonal person. This is someone who prefers to work alone and use self-study methods. This type of learner would best be fit in the online classroom setting. Knowing what type of learner, you are can be important in helping to improve the speed and quality of learning. It can help avoid putting a student in an awkward position. Learning styles can have a great impact on students just as much as the
The main instance that I use behaviorism in my classroom is through positive reinforcement. I praise, praise, praise my students all day. Students who are such young learners receive much motivation when they hear praise and specific praise at that. It allows them to be eager to please their teacher and provides a sense of self-accomplishment. In my classroom, I also use a treasure chest, reward coupons and PBIS reward money as major components of positive reinforcement. At the beginning of the year, I teach my students my classroom expectations and that I expect the best from them. This includes all of their daily work, including journal writing, morning work, etc. My students know what my desired outcome is. Student’s behavioral efforts are measured and collected on a weekly basis through a behavior chart. Their assignments are measured on accuracy and completeness in order to help them recognize the importance of their effort in finishing an assignment. I utilize a rubric on many of my assignments in order to help them achieve their best. Their meeting certain standards on their weekly behavior chart allows them to receive
Furthermore, some may suggest that online learning is benefiting our students in society. There has been a breakthrough in time and geographical limitations of education via online courses (Ho, 2009). Online education is cost-effective, efficient, and easily accessible (Schmeeckle, 2003). Online classes are used for individual and independent learning in which the student can learn at their own pace (Gonzalez, 2009). Not only is online education beneficial for breaking down barriers, online education has the potential to help students learn material more efficiently. Students are more likely to seek help from their instructors when the material is taught online (Whipp & Lorentz, 2009). Computer use in statistical classes could help decrease math anxiety (Gundy, Morton, Liu, & Kline, 2006). In a study that measured online students’ ability to achieve the same efficiency of course material as face-to-face students, at least 98% of students reported that they had, so one may be lead to believe that online learning is just as efficient as face-to-face courses (Liebowitz, 2003). With all of the positive aspects of online education, one may wonder why there is any debate as to whether or not online education is beneficial for
The successful application of these theories have been very interdisciplinary in their use, being applicable in the development of disorders and even calculating spending patterns across social groups. Behaviorism and social learning have evolved beyond the original use of solely educational purposes. However, the effectiveness of the behaviorism theory has come into question as an educational approach., L’Ecuyer (2014) explains that the behaviorism approach, “emphasizes the accumulation of information (knowledge), on external behaviors (skills and mechanical habits) and their emotional and physical reactions in given situations, rather than on the person’s internal mental states, such as intentionality, which are much more complex (p.2). The article questions the modern effectiveness of the behaviorism approach on children. I have found that the theory of social learning when paired with the behaviorism theory is still very useful in education, even with the influx of modern technologies. At the very core, behaviorism, both classical and, seeks to explain why humans react to certain stimuli. Operant is more used in socially especially in child rearing, how to effectively discipline and child via reinforcement of positive behaviors or corporal punishment for negative behaviors is still a highly debated topic. Social learning can also heavily influence