What is behaviorism ?

be·hav·ior·ism: is the prediction and control of human behavior in which introspection and/or independent thing play no essential part of its teaching methods.

A theory that both human and animal behaviors can be explained in terms of conditioning, without appeal to thoughts or feelings

Positive reinforcements and negative

reinforcements are used Behaviors can be observed, measured and changed

unlike the internal events like thinking Behaviors are learned through conditioning There are two types of conditioning

1. CLASSICAL CONDITIONING: A naturally occurring stimulus is placed with a neutral stimulus allowing the neutral stimulus to, in time, evoke a natural reflex

1. OPERANT CONDITIONING: Learning that is controlled and results in shaping behavior through reinforcement of stimulus-response patterns. A bond is established between the operant and the reward.

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) Albert Bandura (1925- ) Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)

Used Operant Conditioning Known for his experiments with

pigeons Believed behaviors are based on

positive reinforcements and rewards.

Behaviors are learned by Observational modeling Started as a behaviorist but then became well known as

the Father of the cognitivist for his significant contributions to Social Cognitive Theory.

Focused work on Self-efficacy concept

Known for his experiments with dogs and controlling their salvation Used Classic Conditioning Won Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1904

Motivator and facilitator of educating Provides stimulus: materials and

repeated practice Reinforcements: stickers, duties, bonus

points, verbal reinforcement for good and bad behavior

Maintains classroom participation

Students work towards goals set by their teachers

Their behavior and work habits are very diverse but goals are similar

Students respond to stimuli and are motivated by rewards

Software programs implement rewards such as games, funny videos or other fun activities which are reached after a goal is met.

Teachers have their students use these programs and in return the students are rewarded for work with fun activities.

Using computers can also be a reward

I like using a reward system in the classroom as well as positive reinforcements.

By rewarding good behaviors my students will want to be rewarded and follow good behaviors

By pointing out bad behaviors and not rewarding them my students will learn what not to do if they want to be rewarded

Sources:

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

http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/f/behaviorism.htm

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Integrating Technology in a Connected World 7 th Ed.: Teachers Discovering Computers, Shelly, Gunter, and Gunter (2012).