Learning Theories – Behaviorism

Coming out of the work of B.F. Skinner and J.B. Watson, behaviorism is based on the premise that science needs to limit itself to what can be observed and measured. Thus, it is a repudiation of the earlier, more introspective modes of inquiry into the mind (Western Governors, 2020).  Behaviorism’s core is the idea that all forms of behavior can be explained in terms of stimulus and response (McLeod, 2020). Simply stated, a subject can be taught to elicit a particular response to a given stimulus through repeated exposure to that stimulus.

Behavioral learning theory states that positive reinforcement (a reward) can be used to motivate students.  Thus, a student who receives a gold star, a piece of candy, or praise from the teacher for getting a good grade is getting positive reinforcement, and this serves as motivation for them to continue doing well. Positive reinforcement dovetails with repetition, so students are conditioned to repeat those behaviors (studying for tests, turning in homework, etc.), which rewards them (Western Governors, 2020).

Strategies Based in Behaviorism

According to Western Governors University (2020), there are numerous teaching strategies based on behaviorist tenets.  These include:

• Drills: Drills help learners master new skills through repetition.
• Guided Practice: Teachers can guide students through problems, showing them the behaviors required for task completion.
• Regular Review: Regular reviews reinforce previous learning and aids retention.
• Positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement, in whatever form, promotes the behaviors the instructor wants students to learn.