Learning Theories - III
In our older blogs we started talking about Learning theories - Cognitive Learning Theory in particular. So, let’s pick up where we left off and learn more about type two of Learning Theory, i.e. Behaviorism.
What exactly is Behavior Learning Theory?
A form of social psychology, Behaviorism studies behaviors. Behavior Learning Theory believes that behaviors can be changed with introduction of a stimulus; either positive or negative reinforcements. A positive reinforcement reflects the application of the stimulus. For example, rewarding someone for their apt performance. A negative reinforcement means withholding of the stimulus. For example, a punishment for bad or poor performance.
Importance in Classroom Teaching:
Incorporating Behavioral Learning Theory in classroom teaching can bring about a lot of changes. Some of them are listed below.
- It is rewarding for both: learners and the educators.
- The educator gives learners an immediate feedback.
- Learners are made to work from most basic to more complicated tasks.
- Learners focus on working over things that bring about positive feelings.
- Learners tend to avoid working on things that may be the cause of irksome outcomes.
- It discourages behavior that is unrewarded. Mainly because such behavior will be considered bad and thus, will be ignored and will not be rewarded.
How PICT has adopted Behavioral Learning Theory:
Educators at PICT have adopted the pedagogy of Behavioral Learning in Classroom Teaching and have reaped the benefits, too. This pedagogy has helped learners at PICT to improve by changing their behaviors; all thanks to the team of highly motivated staff who have inculcated the habit of positive reinforcement. For example, rather than pointing out to a learner that they are doing something wrong, educators must appreciate their efforts, highlight the things that they are doing right and scaffold their further learning with specific strategies. A positive reinforcement may be as small as a smiley drawn on the hand, a verbal praise in front of the peers, nomination for the post of class monitor or an exemption from doing the practice work for the day by the educator has helped increase desired positive behaviors in classroom at PICT. The ultimate outcome - learners are happy to come to school.
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