Transcript Behaviorism and the Classroom:

Behaviorism and the
Classroom:
Putting the Theory
to the Test
By Jami R Cameron
EDU 6542
July 18, 2007
What is Behaviorism?
http://www.funderstanding.com/behaviorism.cfm
“If we ever do end up acting just like rats
or Pavlov’s dogs, it will be largely because
behaviorism has conditioned us to do so.”
~ Richard Dean Rosen
What is Behaviorism?
Ivan Pavlov – Classical Conditioning
Picture provided by Melissa Standridge
What is Behaviorism?
John B. Watson
• Behavior is the result of precise stimuli
• Subconscious motives/latent cognitive
processes can’t derive basic human
development concepts.
What is Behaviorism?
B. F. Skinner – Operant Conditioning
Picture provided by Melissa Standridge
How Does Behaviorism
Apply to the Classroom?
• Behavior Management
– Positive Reinforcement
– Negative Reinforcement
– Consequences
– Punishment
Does Behaviorism
Explain the Way We Learn?
• A controlling agent for students
• NOT helpful with knowledge-based learning
• Only reinforces how we behave
• Does NOT explain the learning process
Are Teachers Using
Behaviorism Correctly?
• Correct
– A tool in behavior modification
• Incorrect
• Checklist approach to learning
Conclusion
• Behaviorism is effective –if used
appropriately
• Behaviorism isn’t a measurement tool
for assessing knowledge learned
References
• Standridge, M., (2002). Behaviorism.
http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Behaviorism