Facilitating Learner Centered Teaching (ProfEd4)

March 22, 2020

Aira Mae L. Antinero

PCED-03-401P

TF 6:00-7:30PM

RRC#1

Chapter 4

Topics: Behavioral Learning Theories

1. Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning

2. Thorndike’s Conditioning

3. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning

4. Neo Behaviorism
 Classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian conditioning) is learning through

association and was discovered by Pavlov. In simple terms two stimuli are linked

together to produce a new learned response in a person or animal. John Watson

proposed that the process of classical conditioning was able to explain all aspects of

human psychology. There are three stages of classical conditioning. At each stage the

stimuli and responses are given special scientific terms: stage 1 is called “Before

Conditioning” in this stage, the unconditioned stimulus produces an unconditioned

response in an organism. In basic terms, this means that a stimulus in the environment

has produced a behavior or response which is unlearned/unconditioned and therefore is

a natural response which has not been taught, meaning no new behavior has been

learned yet. Stage 2 is “During Conditioning” this stage is a stimulus which produces

no response is associated with the unconditioned stimulus at which point it now

becomes known as the conditioned stimulus. For classical conditioning to be effective,

the conditioned stimulus should occur before the unconditioned stimulus, rather than

after it, or during the same time. Thus, the conditioned stimulus acts as a type of signal

or cue for the unconditioned stimulus. Often during this stage, the UCS must be

associated with the CS on a number of occasions, or trials, for learning to take place.

However, one trail learning can happen on certain occasions when it is not necessary

for an association to be strengthened over time (such as being sick after food poisoning

or drinking too much alcohol). Stage 3 is “After Conditioning” now the conditioned

stimulus has been associated with the unconditioned stimulus to create a new

conditioned response. Ivan Pavlov showed that classical conditioning applied to animals
and to human. Watson and Rayner had shown that classical conditioning could be used

to create a phobia. A phobia is an irrational fear that is out of proportion to the danger.

Classical conditioning emphasizes the importance of learning from the environment,

and supports nurture over nature. However, it is limiting to describe behavior solely in

terms of either nature or nurture, and attempts to do this underestimate the complexity

of human behavior. It is more likely that behavior is due to an interaction between

nature (biology) and nurture (environment). A strength of classical conditioning theory is

that it is scientific. This is because it's based on empirical evidence carried out by

controlled experiments. For example, Pavlov showed how classical conditioning could

be used to make a dog salivate to the sound of a bell. Classical conditioning is also a

reductionist explanation of behavior. This is because a complex behavior is broken

down into smaller stimulus-response units of behavior. Supporters of a reductionist

approach say that it is scientific. Breaking complicated behaviors down to small parts

means that they can be scientifically tested. However, some would argue that the

reductionist view lacks validity. Thus, while reductionism is useful, it can lead to

incomplete explanations. The next topic of the reporter is all about the “Law of

Learning”. Edward Thorndike developed the first three laws of learning: readiness,

exercise, and effect. He also set the law of effect which means that any behavior that is

followed by pleasant consequences is likely to be repeated, and any behavior followed

by unpleasant consequences is likely to be avoided. Next is the “Operant

Conditioning” it is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments

for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an individual makes an association between

a particular behavior and consequence. There are four types of reinforcement: positive,

negative, punishment, and extinction. Lastly, the “Neo-behaviorism” or Tolman’s

Purposive Behaviorism. Purposive learning encapsulates Edward Tolman’s theory. He

insisted that all behavior is directed because of a purpose. Hence, all behaviors are

focused on achieving some goals by cognition - an intervening variables.

The assigned topics are all indicated in the PowerPoint presentation. I suggest

that they should limit the bullet points and texts in each slides and must put more

pictures to be clearer. Avoid long sentences in one slide and must put only key words

including the essential information. I bet it's better if they also put some videos that

shows example about their topics.

Those theories that has been mentioned in the presentation made me realized

that these theories can apply in handling my students in the future. Upon reading their

presentation, I learned a lot of different techniques on how students can understand and

enjoy their studies at the same time. As a future educator, I would like to motivate my

students by giving them a reward for achieving good things. I will let them enjoy our

discussions by having funny and interesting games, I know it will help them build their

self-confidence and make them feel comfortable in their learning environment.

I conclude that those theories are important tools for understanding human

behavior and designing the motivation schemes and people development. These
theories help teachers to improve their teaching strategies and it also help students to

improve their way of learning. As a future educators, we must be informed or we must

have knowledge about the importance of behaviorism in teaching and learning process.

It is better for a teacher to understand the behavior of his/her students, and behaviorism

shows all possible behavior of learners, so it will be easy for a teacher how he/she will

handle his/her students.