BEHAVIORISM
The behaviorism learning theory "focuses on that which is observable: how people behave and especially how to change or elicit particular behaviors"(p. 31). This learning theory primarily focuses on behavior and that a stimulus leads to a response. Behaviorism is not only about punishments for bad behavior, but how someone (educator) can control the behavior with a constructive punishment or reward. Learning takes place when the expected behavior is repeated after conditioning. A behaviorist learning environment consists of learning by repetition where the teacher models the behavior expected of the learners and reinforces the behavior consistently only making modifications when necessary. The behaviorist theory also focuses on two critical types of conditioning: classical and operant conditioning.
Contributions
The four main behaviorism theorists' that led to the significant contributions to the development of behaviorism include; Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, Edward L. Thorndike, and Burrhus Frederic Skinner.
Ivan Pavlov
John B. Watson
B.F. Skinner
Contributions
The four main behaviorism theorists' that led to the significant contributions to the development of behaviorism include; Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, Edward L. Thorndike, and Burrhus Frederic Skinner.
Ivan Pavlov
- Credited as the founder of the behaviorist learning theory.
- In his study on the digestion of dogs, he discovered that dogs do not salivate to the neutral stimulus(bell)before conditioning.
- During conditioning, he rang the bell and presented the food to the dog, which in return, caused the dog to salivate.
- After conditioning, the dog immediately salivates with the ringing of the bell.
John B. Watson
- Research focused on human behavior and borrowed Pavlov's ideas.
- He believed that humans are shaped by their environment.
- His experiment with "Little Albert" proves that fears are learned not inherited and that parents should treat their homes as the foundation for learning and restricting behavior.
- Conducted a "puzzle box" experiment with animals to test their flight response when trapped inside of a box.
- He noticed that as the animal began to recognize its environment the response time to escape diminished.
- This significant experiment "led to the existence of the animal's mental states, suggesting that animals act without thinking or feeling"(p. 34).
B.F. Skinner
- Was inspired by the contributions of Pavlov and Watson but was interested in operant conditioning.
- His main experiment was conducted on rats.
- Skinner believed that behavior is modified through reinforcement and punishment.
- Reinforcement teaches expected new behavior and the elimination of unwanted behavior.
Weegar (2012), claims that Skinner's teaching machine can be found in most educational technology programs that shape student learning. The article references how a student who takes a multiple choice test, would not be able to move on to the next question until they get the correct answer. The student learns that by selecting the correct response, they experience success. The computer program is designed to shape reinforce student behavior.
TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED EXAMPLE
A perfect example of Behaviorism that is used in classroom's today is the website http://www.explorelearning.com. This website uses the Gizmo experience to facilitate learning through the use of online learning simulations. These online learning simulations are referred to as "Gizmos". The use of Gizmos helps students soar in Science and Mathematics. For example, a teacher can use the Gizmos in a Geometry lesson of polygons. Geometry seems to baffle many students because they fear they will have to use formulas and perform algebra. While some geometry concepts require the use of algebraic properties and definitions, the Gizmo experience assists students in manipulating the shapes by changing the orientation of the shape, measuring the angles by the click of a mouse, and reduces the need to memorize formulas because they were able to use the program to understand how polygons work. The use of Gizmos ignites student motivation and improves classroom behavior. The Gizmo experience also provides instant feedback and due to the instantaneous feedback, the teacher can praise a student, provide verbal encouragement, and/or intervene any areas of weakness. The more positive results a student sees, the more receptive and susceptible they will be to learning.
PERSONAL EXAMPLE
Domain: K-12; specifically 10th grade Geometry students.
Brief Activity Description: 8.5 ft Geodesic Dome Construction. This activity requires students to work in teams to build a structure that was originally pioneered and engineered to house us. Students will use the iPad to watch the tutorial on how to construct the Geodesic Dome and discuss possible ways to build the structure using minimal materials such as; wooden dowels and flexible tubing connectors. A technology tool that can be used to support this activity include; Youtube, Atomic Learning, Geogebra, and Blackboard. The behaviorist approach to this activity can be applied by including a component that monitors the construction and provides real time encouragement as the construction is performed. The activity will challenge the students to use extensive critical thinking and place all indifferences aside. The use of the iPad to document the entire construction process will shape student reactions and behaviors to complete the task. This personal example illustrates transformative learning in which "a student reintegrates into one's life on the basis of conditions dictated by one's perspective" (Kitchenham, 2008).
Brief Activity Description: 8.5 ft Geodesic Dome Construction. This activity requires students to work in teams to build a structure that was originally pioneered and engineered to house us. Students will use the iPad to watch the tutorial on how to construct the Geodesic Dome and discuss possible ways to build the structure using minimal materials such as; wooden dowels and flexible tubing connectors. A technology tool that can be used to support this activity include; Youtube, Atomic Learning, Geogebra, and Blackboard. The behaviorist approach to this activity can be applied by including a component that monitors the construction and provides real time encouragement as the construction is performed. The activity will challenge the students to use extensive critical thinking and place all indifferences aside. The use of the iPad to document the entire construction process will shape student reactions and behaviors to complete the task. This personal example illustrates transformative learning in which "a student reintegrates into one's life on the basis of conditions dictated by one's perspective" (Kitchenham, 2008).