Behaviorism
Behaviorism developed at the turn of the 20th century as an approach to learning that revolves around the science of behavior. Theorists view the learner as a tabula rasa, generally without any mental internalization or introspection (with exceptions). From that point, the learner can be influenced by his environment (referred to as a "stimulus") on which he reacts (referred to as the "response") and which in turn instigates another reaction (in Skinnerism, referred to as "reinforcement").
Key Concepts
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Key Words
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Key Figures
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Two Approaches
Applications in Educational Technology
Behaviorism as an educational learning theory led to the development of several aspects of instruction and learning production, some of which we still use in classrooms today, including direct instruction, lecture, behavioral objective as classroom management, behavioral reward system, positive reinforcement, and individualized instruction, among other notions.
A great example of Behaviorism in a purer sense in Educational Technology is the website BrainPop. This instructional website hosts videos that explain a variety of educational topics and are immediately followed by a short quiz, after which, based on the outcome, students can assess their own understanding of the video and content material. The results are shown immediately upon completion and provide succinct explanations to help students better understand. Students will be willing to put forth more effort after reinforcement of higher scores (and thus, positive results). The key is the instantaneous responses and grades, which can be a source of praise or criticism, both of which are strong factors in student performance.
A great example of Behaviorism in a purer sense in Educational Technology is the website BrainPop. This instructional website hosts videos that explain a variety of educational topics and are immediately followed by a short quiz, after which, based on the outcome, students can assess their own understanding of the video and content material. The results are shown immediately upon completion and provide succinct explanations to help students better understand. Students will be willing to put forth more effort after reinforcement of higher scores (and thus, positive results). The key is the instantaneous responses and grades, which can be a source of praise or criticism, both of which are strong factors in student performance.
Another newer technology that is utilizing both gamification and behaviorism is ClassDojo.
Using this Behavioral Management System, a teacher can reward AND take away points dependent on in-class behavior. Sounds and images reflect the addition or taking away of points, so good behavior is easily reinforced and bad behavior is also easily discouraged. |
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Acquisition Tool: Operant Conditioning Illustrated
Image and Video Credits
Behaviorist Rat. Retrieved October 4, 2012 from:
http://blog.wsd.net/jreeve/behaviorism-not-as-dead-as-previously-thought/
The Big Bang Theory: Sheldon Trains Penny. [Video] Retrieved October 4, 2012 from:
http://youtu.be/qy_mIEnnlF4
http://blog.wsd.net/jreeve/behaviorism-not-as-dead-as-previously-thought/
The Big Bang Theory: Sheldon Trains Penny. [Video] Retrieved October 4, 2012 from:
http://youtu.be/qy_mIEnnlF4