Week 1-2 post

1. Leave a 30-word micro session summary.

Behaviorism focuses on observable and measurable behaviors, and can be applied to classroom learning through rewards and punishments. Two major behaviorism advocates include John B. Watson, principal originator of classical conditioning, and B.F. Skinner, principal originator of operant conditioning.

2. What is 'learning' from the behaviorist perspective?

Learning from a behaviorist perspective is changing behavior as a result of associating a stimulus with a response. In classical conditioning, this means the conditioned stimulus elicits the conditioned response. In operant conditioning, this means associating behaviors with rewards or punishments. In the classroom, students seek out approval and want to satisfy their desires. They want to avoid outcomes that are punishing or unpleasant. Thus, teachers can modify their students’ behavior through behaviorism. Learning occurs when a pattern of reinforcement and punishment is recognized and rewards are sought out by the learner. Shaping occurs when a behavioral goal is broken down into discrete units, and each is reinforced as it progresses to the overall goal. Progression through these units involves learning. 

3. What are the big things that you learned about behaviorism?

One of the biggest things I learned is how behaviorism can be applied to the classroom, and how much I’ve been exposed to behaviorism without realizing it! A teacher has to constantly make choices about which types of reinforcements and punishments are appropriate. I can imagine it depends on the type of student. The video “Psychology: Reinforcement and Punishment” showed how with a misbehaving student a teacher can give positive punishment (e.g., assigning extra homework) or withhold reinforcement until the behavior becomes extinct.

4. Do you think behaviorism demonstrates your own beliefs in how human learning occurs well? If so/not, why?

On the one hand I think it does because humans naturally want approval from others and they seek reinforcement instead of punishment. Research related to Watson and Skinner’s work have shown how behavior is modified through behaviorism techniques. From the readings and videos there are definitely implications for behaviorism in the classroom. However, behaviorism cannot be the only theory that explains how human learning occurs. Behaviorism doesn’t explain how biology, genes, cognition, or emotions influence behavior. You can give the same rewards and punishments to a group of students, but they’re not all going to respond the exact same way. If I were a teacher I would use behaviorist techniques, but also supplement them with other approaches.

5. Do you have any questions or concerns about course learning?

I am wondering how much we will learn about specific populations of students? I found an interesting article that discusses the research on implementing behaviorism for students with learning disabilities (link below). It makes me think who benefits the most behaviorism and who benefits the least.

https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/viewFile/1607/650

 

6. Week 1-2 Activity Completion Check

(Copy and paste the table below into your blog refection)

	Modules	Topics  & Activity	Check ✓ if Completed
	Week 1-2 *Due by July 17 at 10:59 am	1) Week1-2 Reading Quiz	✓
		2) Week 1-2 Discussion Forum: One initial response & two peer feedback replies	✓
		3) Week 1-2 Personal Blog Reflection	✓