Chapter 9 – Behaviorist Views of Learning

WHAT?
This week in class, we learned about behaviorist views of learning. I found this chapter to be very interesting and contained a lot of important, practical, and useful information that every teacher should learn about to be able to meet their students needs. One of the main things that I want to remember from this chapter is Classical Conditioning v.s. Operant Conditioning.

Classical Conditioning is a form of learning in which a new, INVOLUNTARY response is acquired as a result of two stimuli being presented at the same time. One of the main studies of Classical Conditioning is Pavlov's dog. Pavlov discovered that if flashed a light just before he fed his dogs, that the dog would eventually salivate when just the light was flashed (involuntarily) because it would associate the light with food coming.

Operant Conditioning is a form of learning in which a response INCREASES in frequency as a result of being followed by reinforcement. Operant Conditioning is a voluntary action by the learner because of the reinforcement. B.F. Skinner stated that "A response is strengthened - and thus is more likely to occur again - when it is followed by a reinforcing stimulus (a reinforcer)". Operant Conditioning can occur only under two conditions. First, the learner must make a response (do something). Second, the reinforcer should be contingent on the learner’s response - should only occur when the desired response has occurred. The different types of reinforcers are discussed with Operant Conditioning.

SO WHAT?
Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning are very important for a teacher to understand so that they will be able to help their students learn and conduct their behavior in a manner that will provide the best opportunities for them and the rest of the students in their classroom. It is also very important for a teacher to understand what kinds of reinforcements they can use to be able to help the learners have the best experiences possible and have the desire to achieve all that is asked of them in the classroom.

NOW WHAT?
I find this information very interesting. There was a lot of information to take in with this chapter. I know that as I study and find ways to remember this important information, that I'll be a better teacher as I evaluate my classroom and find methods for my students to gain knowledge and increase their learning. I could relate to each of these methods and times when I've experienced learning in both Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning.