Ivan Pavlov's Behaviorism Theory

Early in the 1900s a physiologist by the name of Ivan Pavlov devised an approach to the study of learning based heavily on behavior – something that could be easily seen, described, and measured objectively. Pavlov’s behaviorism theory posits that learning occurs through the process of classical conditioning. Classical conditioning occurs when two stimuli are presented close together.

B.F. Skinner later built upon on Pavlov’s theory and formulated a principle of operant conditioning, which states that certain consequences (reinforcement – positive or negative) affect the frequency of voluntary behaviors. A particular behavior can be influenced by the schedule of reinforcement being used. In my social studies class, we start class by listening

This is very much so similar to behaviorism in that the stimulus is the environment. Within SCT individuals may acquire knowledge through observation and social interaction, both unconditioned and conditioned stimuli are a part of one’s environment. Furthermore, rewards and punishments are also observed and as a result knowledge is acquired, even if the individual is not receiving the reward or punishment.

Neal E. Miller and John Dollard, in 1941, identified four key factors in learning new behavior, 1) drives, 2) cues, 3) responses, and 4) rewards, they posit that if one were motivated to learn a particular behavior, then that particular behavior would be learned through clear observations. Alike to behaviorism social cues informally condition individuals to behave in a certain manner, sometimes

Project based learning is one of my favorite teaching practices. I believe that having students research, design, and execute a project on the topic of their interest is the best means for them to truly grasp new knowledge. When I was a child I would always ask my parent how computers worked. Uncertain of the answer themselves, they told me to figure it out. They would give me an old computer and let me deconstruct and reconstruct it until I figured it out, and it worked. Constructivism may not be that old as a formal theory, however since the dawn of man it has been how we as humans have learned and innovated on