Behaviorist Views of Learning

What?
This has lead to a better understanding of how human behavior and learning are affected with stimulus-response and principles. The environment (Antecedent stimuli) that is present evokes different kinds of responses, some of which are voluntary or involuntary. These responses are found in both classical conditioning (involuntary) and operant conditioning (voluntary). The learner’s responses can change based upon the environment they are in. Teachers have found there are many ways to stimulate the learners mind. Some examples of these are punishment or reinforcement.
So What?
All students have their own personalities and learning behaviors. This causes teachers to use different strategies when trying to reach each individual student. This task can be overwhelming to the teacher while they are learning the correct mode to use for each of their students. Students react differently when using behavior shaping activities; some students need step by step help while others need visual help. The behaviorist’s theory has been interesting to learn about and if studied more will help me become better prepared to deal with all the students in my classrooms.
Now What?
I truly believe in reinforcement. I feel it is going to be my number one way to motivate students. I like the positive reinforcement the best (concrete, social, or activity). Although, I can see myself using negative reinforcement as long as it increases the behavior of the target objective. While using positive reinforcements we need to remember to be careful about what kinds we are using. One student may need a compliment about their work to continue working, while another student may not. At the same time the student who doesn’t need the compliment to stay on task might need the compliment to not feel left out. I feel that by learning this behavior mode, I will need to have a watchful eye to be able to help my students get the most out of their educational experience.