Behavioral Learning Theory

By: B. M. and J.T.

Foundational Scientists

• Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) & John B. Watson (1878-1958). : Classic Conditioning

• B.F. Skinner (1904-1990): Operant Conditioning

• Albert Bandura (1925- ): Observational modeling

• Ivan Plavlov– classic conditioning- reflexive or

automatic type of learning in which a stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus.

• Pavlov was a Russian physicist who believed the most prominent form of learning involved making a new association between events in the environment.

• He proved his hypothesis by conducting an experiment where he trained dogs to salivate at the sound a bell. He achieved this by conditioning a previously unconditioned stimulus, the bell, to illicit a conditioned response, salivation. Each time Pavlov gave his test dogs food covered in meat powder, he rang a bell. Eventually, the dogs learned to salivate at the sound of the bell whether or not meat powder was actually present.

Classic Conditioning

• John B. Watson (1878-1958)

• Watson continued Pavlov’s work by applying this theory to humans, specifically a baby name Albert.

• The unconditioned stimulus in this experiment was a jarring noise and the unconditioned response was fear of rats.

• Initially, Albert had exhibited no fear when a rat was presented to him, but after several traumatizing experiences in which each time they presented a rat to Albert a jarring noise followed, the unconditioned response of the fear of rats presented itself.

…Classic Conditioning

• B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)– Operant conditioning- a

process that attempts to modify behavior through the use of positive and negative reinforcement.

• Operant conditioning is the second part to associative learning

• Skinner conducted experiments pigeons and rewarded them when they behaved in a desired manner using positive reinforcers.

• Positive reinforcers are favorable events or outcomes that are given to the individual after the desired behavior.  This may come in the form of praise, rewards, etc.

Operant Conditioning

…Operant Conditioning

• Other experiment that Skinner conducted involved these variables: – Negative reinforcers typically are characterized by

the removal of an undesired or unpleasant outcome after the desired behavior.  A response is strengthened as something considered negative is removed.

– Positive punishment is when unfavorable events or outcomes are given in order to weaken the response that follows.

– Negative punishment is characterized by when an favorable event or outcome is removed after a undesired behavior occurs.

• Albert Bandura (1925- )– Social learning theory- people

learn from one another, via observation, imitation, and modeling; Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences.

• Bandura’s work centered around the concept of self efficacy

– Self efficacy- personal observation about one’s perceived ability to feel , think, and motivate oneself

• When Bandura started to reflect on a person’s ability to retain information through imagery he started to fall into the category of a cognivitist.

Observational Modeling

In The Classroom (Teachers)

• Teachers can incorporate behavioral learning theories in several different ways, but most use a direct teaching method.

• Examples are:– Tutorials– Drill and practice– Behavioral simulations– Programed instruction

• Integrated learning systems are lessons that combine multiple of these strategies.

In The Classroom (Students)

• In order to be learning, students need to be engaged in lessons and put forth effort.

• Teachers giving reinforcement allows the students to see that the more effort they put forth they better they do in school.

• Another idea is using spreadsheet software and having your students track their effort using an effort rubric given by the teacher, will reinforce learning when they are able to see that effort does produce positive outcomes.

Reflection

• I would definitely use some aspects of the this theory in my classroom, such as the teaching methods: – Tutorials – Drill and practice– Integrated learning systems

• I also really like the idea of students tracking their own grades on a spread sheet so they can see how effort does have a positive correlation with better grades. I think this is especially a good idea for around the 5th grade so students can see this before middle school.

Credits

• http://www.learning-theories.com/ • Shelly, Gary B., Glenda A. Gunter, and Randolph E. Gunter. "Special

Feature: Learning Theorists and Educational Research." Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology in a Connected World. Boston, MA: Course Technology Cengage Learning, 2012. 257-80. Print.

• http://www.biography.com/people/ivan-petrovich-pavlov-9435332 (photograph)

• http://www.biography.com/people/john-b-watson-37049 (photograph)

• http://www.biography.com/people/bf-skinner-9485671 (photograph)

• http://www.education.com/reference/article/bandura-albert-1925-/ (Photograph)

• http://viking.coe.uh.edu/~ichen/ebook/et-it/behavior.htm

• http://lonnieashton.edublogs.org/2010/03/22/behaviorism-in-practice/

The End.