Chapter 6-BehaviorISTS Vies of Learning

Learning Objectives

• 6.1 Basic Assumptions of Learning Theories

  • Define learning as a long-term change due to experience, involving mental representations or associations.

• 6.2 Behaviorist Views of Learning

  • Focus on observable behaviors and environmental stimuli that precede and follow responses.

  • Emphasis on five assumptions of behaviorism applied in classroom practices:

    • Environmental Influence: Learning is greatly influenced by the environment, seen as a blank slate being shaped.

    • Behavior Change: Learning is observed through behavioral changes post-experience.

    • Associations: Learning involves forming associations between stimuli and responses.

    • Timing of Events: Close temporal proximity enhances learning.

    • Cross-Species Learning: Principles derived from animal studies are applicable to humans.

• 6.3 Classical Conditioning

  • Involuntary responses acquired through pairing stimuli.

  • Use examples of students' emotional responses (like anxiety) connected to previous stimuli (e.g., math anxiety).

• 6.4 Consequences of Behaviors

  • Different types of consequences: Reinforcement increases behavior; punishment decreases behavior.

  • Understand the roles of positive and negative reinforcement in classroom behavior.

• 6.5 Applying Behaviorist Principles

  • Reinforce productive behaviors by explicitly defining and monitoring them.

  • Reinforcement effectiveness is maximized when tailored to individual needs.

• 6.6 Systematic Approaches to Behavior Problems

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Structured behavior modification strategies.

  • Functional Analysis: Understand the antecedents and consequences of behavior.

  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Focused on proactively encouraging appropriate behaviors.

• 6.7 Cultural and Individual Accommodations

  • Acknowledge individual histories of reinforcement; adapt behaviorist strategies to diverse cultural backgrounds and special educational needs.