2. Behaviorism
• The prediction and control of human behavior in which
introspection and/or independent thinking play no
essential part of its teaching methods.
• Behaviorism came into view during a period of time
that coincided with the industrial revolution called
modernism in which everything of value (including
learning) was measured solely in terms of science.
• To a behaviorist, human learning is purely an
objective and experimental branch of natural science.
• There is no internal cognitive process of information.
3. Positive Reinforcement VS.
Negative Reinforcement
• The learner starts off as a clean slate and behavior is
shaped through positive reinforcement or negative
reinforcement.
• Both positive and negative reinforcement increase the
probability that the antecedent behavior will happen
again.
• In contrast, punishment (both positive and negative)
decreases the likelihood that the antecedent behavior
will happen again.
• Learning is therefore defined as a change in behavior
in the learner.
4. People of Behaviorism: Ivan Pavlov
• Behaviorism experiments conducted on dogs. Pavlov would ring a bell,
then provide the dogs with food (stimulus). Then the dogs would salivate
(reflex) because of the food.
• Eventually the dogs realized that the bell equaled food so they would
salivate when just the bell rang and no food was given.
• This was called ‘classic conditioning’
5. People of Behaviorism: B.F. Skinner
• Skinner conducted experiments on pigeons. He would give the pigeon a
reward (response) after the pigeon did a trick (stimulus).
• He believed that humans shape their behavior based on rewards or
positivity as well.
• This is called ‘operant conditioning.’
6. People of Behaviorism: Albert Bandura
• Bandura’s research expresses the idea of social learning, when
people learn by observing the behaviors of those around them.
• He has conducted experiments through TV violence, on whether
children would re-enact the violence they observed from
watching TV.
7. Teachers and Behaviorism
Without technology:
• Teachers would reinforce socially acceptable actions in younger students.
• An example: A teacher hands a piece of candy to a child who raises their
hand and waits quietly to be called on to answer a question.
With Technology:
• Teachers could use programs, like excel, to have the children record how
much time the student dedicates to school (homework,studying,reading,
etc.).
• This in turn will provide a positive or negative stimulus to promoting
academic success.
8. Students and Behaviorism
Without Technology:
• The students respond to positive or negative stimuli, and respond in a
manner of increased or decreased actions
• An example (negative stimulus): The student, Jimmy, sees his peer, Eddie,
receive candy for raising his hand quietly while the teacher ignores little
Jimmy who is shouting out the answers.
With Technology
• Students using excel to track their time they dedicate to school will provide
a positive or negative stimulus depending on their grades within the class.
9. Our teaching and behaviorism
• Behaviorism is a powerful tool that, if used properly, drives
students to receive positive reinforcement and positively impact
your classroom. In the beginning of the year you can inherit a
very energetic class that lacks proper social behaviors.
• By the end of the year you can have a class that is polite, lines up
quietly, and answers when called upon.
