1. THE THEORY OF BEHAVIORISM
By R ylee Connell

2. BEHAVIORISM THEORY MENU
 What is the ‘Behaviorism Theory’?
 Definition
 Main Points
 Primary Contributors to the Behaviorism Theory
 Ivan Pavlov
 How it is observed in a classroom
 Via teacher or via student
 Personal thoughts about this theory
 Agree or disagree
 Use in personal classroom

3. BEHAVIORISM THEORY
 Operates on a stimulus response.
 Caused by external stimuli.
 Explainable without explanation of mental state.
 Shaped by positive and negative reinforcement.

4. BEHAVIORISM THEORY (CONT’D)
 Behavior can be seen and measured.
 They are acquired through conditioned stimuli, thus
creating conditioned responses.

5. PRIMARY CONTRIBUTORS
Key figures in the understanding of the Behaviorism
Theory are:
 B.F. Skinner--1904-1990
 Edward Thorndike--1874-1949
 John B. Wilson--1878-1959
 Ivan Pavlov--1849-1936
Ivan Pavlov is considered to be one of the most
influential contributors to the behaviorist theory…

6. IVAN PAVLOV—1849-1936
Behaviorist Discoverer
•Made discovery that led to the beginnings of the behaviorist
theory.
•Experiment with unconditioned stimuli and dogs reactions.
•Dogs salivated upon environmental cues related to food (such
as a bell).
•Observation made that certain cues cause certain behaviors.

7. HOW WOULD THIS THEORY BE OBSERVED IN A
CLASSROOM
 Behaviorism theory is the idea that behaviors are
cause by an external stimulus.
 Positive and negative reinforcements persuade or
dissuade the outcomes.
 For example: If a teacher were to offer extra recess
time for quiet, well-behaved students, the students
would be more apt to follow directions to receive
the beneficial outcome.

8. HOW THEORY WOULD BE OBSERVED IN A
CLASSROOM (CONT’D)
 Technology and the behaviorism theory can be
observed together as well.
 Technology, such as computers or iPads, could be
used as rewards or a stimulus for students to follow
directions, complete their work, and get good
grades.
 Positive reinforcements=positive behaviors.
 Also observable is the behaviors students exhibit
when using the computers or when provided the
opportunity to use them.

9. PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON THEORY
& USE IN FUTURE CLASSROOM
 I fully support the theory of behaviorism and believe
it is conclusive.
 Almost every action we take or stimuli we come by
results in a specific behavior, good or bad.
 In a classroom, I believe this is one of the most
easily observable theories.

10. PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON THEORY & USE IN
FUTURE CLASSROOM (CONT’D)
 I can definitely see the behaviorism theory taking a
place in my future classroom.
 With the theory of behaviorism, the teacher can
remain in control so long as the students behaviors
can be conditioned.
 Being aware of the reactions students may exhibit
because of possible situations would be very
beneficial.