Use a Learning Theory: Behaviorism

Summary

Teacher Tony struggles with classroom management but learns to use behaviorism to shape student behavior. Behaviorism, a learning theory based on controlling behavior through antecedents and consequences, is applied in the classroom with reinforcements like rewards and punishments. Tony identifies desired behaviors (e.g., arriving on time, participating in discussions) and uses rewards (classroom money) and penalties (money deductions) to encourage them. As a result, students improve their behavior. The video emphasizes how behaviorism can effectively address classroom challenges, helping teachers manage behavior and foster learning.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Teacher Tony struggles with classroom management and needs help controlling student behavior.
• 📚 Behaviorism is introduced as a solution, emphasizing that behavior can be shaped based on antecedents and consequences.
• 🧠 Behaviorism relies on the idea that behavior is more or less likely to occur based on the environment and the reinforcements or punishments that follow.
• 🎯 Teacher Tony is encouraged to define the specific behaviors he wants students to exhibit in the classroom.
• ⏰ Desired behaviors for students include coming to class on time, having materials ready when the bell rings, participating in discussions, and pushing in chairs when leaving.
• 💰 Teacher Tony decides on reinforcements: awarding classroom money for good behavior and taking away money for poor behavior.
• 🎁 Classroom money can be used for rewards, like using notes on a quiz or turning in homework late without penalty.
• ⚖️ Consequences for poor behavior include losing classroom money for not meeting expectations.
• ✔️ After implementing behaviorism, Teacher Tony observes improvements in his students' behavior.
• 🛠 The script concludes that behaviorism can be an effective tool for shaping classroom behavior and solving classroom management problems.

Q & A

What is behaviorism in the context of education?

Behaviorism is a learning theory based on the idea that behavior can be controlled or modified through the antecedents and consequences of a behavior. It focuses on shaping student behavior through reinforcements such as rewards and punishments.

How does behaviorism influence classroom management?

Behaviorism influences classroom management by using rewards to encourage desired behaviors and consequences to discourage unwanted behaviors. This helps in shaping and reinforcing positive student behaviors, making it easier for teachers to manage their classrooms.

What are some examples of behaviorism in the classroom?

Examples of behaviorism in the classroom include: allowing students to watch TV after finishing homework, exempting students from a quiz for completing all homework, giving a sticker for correct answers, and assigning detention for lateness.

What four specific behaviors does teacher Tony want from his students?

Teacher Tony wants his students to come to class on time, have their materials out when the bell rings, participate in classroom discussions, and push in their chairs when they leave.

What reinforcements does teacher Tony use to encourage desired behaviors?

Teacher Tony uses two reinforcements: he awards classroom money to students who exhibit desired behaviors, and he takes away money from those who fail to demonstrate these behaviors.

How can students use the classroom money in teacher Tony's system?

Students can spend classroom money on rewards such as using notes on a quiz or turning in homework late without penalty.

What impact did implementing behaviorism have on teacher Tony’s classroom?

By implementing behaviorism, teacher Tony was able to manage his classroom more effectively. His students began coming to class on time, having their materials ready, participating in discussions, and pushing in their chairs when leaving.

Why is it important to clearly define the behaviors you want students to exhibit?

Clearly defining desired behaviors allows the teacher to consistently reinforce and reward those behaviors, making it easier to shape student actions and achieve better classroom management.

What is the relationship between antecedents and consequences in behaviorism?

In behaviorism, antecedents are the conditions or triggers that prompt a behavior, while consequences (such as rewards or punishments) influence whether the behavior will be repeated in the future.

How can behaviorism help teachers with student learning in addition to classroom management?

Behaviorism can help teachers shape not only classroom behavior but also student learning by rewarding correct responses and providing consequences for incorrect ones. This approach reinforces learning of basic facts and skills.