Behaviorism in Education (Explained in 4 Minutes)

Summary

This video discusses behaviorism in education, focusing on how reinforcements and punishments are used to shape student behavior and outcomes. Positive reinforcement, such as rewards and extra recess time, motivates students to memorize correct answers. While behaviorism can be beneficial for young children and students with autism, it has its drawbacks, including shallow learning and failure to address the root causes of misbehavior. The video also touches on the difference between operant and classical conditioning, encouraging further exploration of behaviorism in educational settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Behaviorism in education involves using reinforcements or punishments to shape student behavior and outcomes.
• 😀 Positive reinforcement (e.g., gold stars, extra recess) encourages desired behaviors, such as memorizing answers.
• 😀 The underlying theory of behaviorism is that rewards increase behavior likelihood, while punishments decrease it.
• 😀 Behaviorism can be useful for younger children who respond well to positive reinforcements like stickers and treats.
• 😀 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a subset of behaviorism, shows positive results for children with autism, as it provides clear rules and guidelines.
• 😀 Behaviorist techniques, like grades for good work, can be motivating for students from young children to university students.
• 😀 Despite benefits, behaviorism has drawbacks, such as encouraging shallow learning by focusing on memorization rather than deep understanding.
• 😀 Behaviorism may not address the root causes of misbehavior and can lead to punishment without understanding why the student is acting out.
• 😀 A behaviorist teacher might punish a talkative student without considering external factors, such as missing breakfast or needing rest.
• 😀 To foster deeper understanding, alternative methods like constructivism focus on the learning process, rather than just outcomes.

Q & A

What is behaviorism in education?

Behaviorism in education involves using reinforcements (rewards) or punishments to shape student behaviors and outcomes. It can be applied both in teaching new information and managing behavior.

How does a behaviorist teacher use reinforcement in the classroom?

A behaviorist teacher rewards students with incentives such as gold stars or extra recess time when they correctly answer questions, employing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.

What is the theory behind behaviorism?

The theory behind behaviorism is that rewards increase the likelihood of a behavior, while punishments decrease it. This theory aims to modify behavior by using external stimuli.

When is it appropriate to use behaviorism in teaching?

Behaviorism is particularly effective when teaching younger children, children with autism, and as a motivator for students. It is effective for encouraging positive behaviors and academic achievements.

Why is behaviorism effective with younger children?

Younger children respond positively to positive reinforcements like stickers, awards, and treats. These rewards are motivating and help reinforce desired behaviors in a simple and clear way.

How does behaviorism help children with autism?

Behaviorism, specifically Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), provides clear rules and guidelines that help children with autism understand expectations and the consequences of their actions, which improves behavior and learning.

How can grades serve as a form of motivation in behaviorism?

Grades serve as a reward for appropriate behavior. A student striving for a good grade is motivated to engage in behaviors that lead to academic success, reinforcing their positive efforts.

What are the drawbacks of behaviorism in education?

The main drawbacks include shallow learning, where students memorize answers without understanding the underlying concepts, and not addressing the root causes of misbehavior, which can lead to ineffective or superficial solutions.

What is an example of shallow learning caused by behaviorism?

An example is when students memorize that 5 * 5 equals 25 without understanding why this is the case. Behaviorism encourages correct responses rather than deeper comprehension of the topic.

Why can behaviorism fail to address root causes of misbehavior?

Behaviorism focuses on punishing misbehavior without understanding why the student is misbehaving. For instance, a student might act out due to hunger or tiredness, which is not addressed by simply applying a punishment.

How might a humanist approach differ from behaviorism in addressing misbehavior?

A humanist approach looks at the underlying reasons for misbehavior, such as a student’s emotional or physical needs, and provides more individualized support. This contrasts with behaviorism, which may focus solely on punishing the visible behavior.

What are the next steps for someone wanting to learn more about behaviorism in education?

To deepen their understanding, learners are encouraged to explore the differences between operant and classical conditioning, both of which are key concepts in behaviorism.