Name: MALATHY A/P NADARAJAN

Matric No: MC220918161

Program: Master Of Education (Educational Leadership &

Management) – Online

Course Leader: Ms Ann Anuradah

Course Title: Psychology of Learning and Instruction (Reflection 1)

Course Code: ESEM5123

Title: In not more than 500 words, reflect on the topics you have covered in the course. You

may take one (1) or two (2) topics and examine them deeply, or examine more topics in less

detail.
 According to operant conditioning theory by BF Skinner, which sometimes referred as

instrumental conditioning, behaviours can be changed using reinforcement and punishment.

Either positive or negative reinforcement shall result in a behaviour being repeated, while

punishment shall decrease the likelihood of unfavourable behaviours.

The interesting part of this learning methods is that reinforcement and punishment can be

used in increasing favourable behaviour and decreasing unfavourable behaviours of the

students. Interestingly, I learned that reinforcement should be done at specific intervals for it

to be effective rather than regularly.

Therefore, I learned that this theory can be applied in understanding how behaviour is

learned. Reinforcement, either positive or negative, and the scheduling may affect the

learning process. I also learned that learning is considered as to have taken place when

there are changes in behaviours. Thus, both reinforcement and punishment can be used

effectively in the learning process. I also learned that extinction is another technique that can

be used in decreasing the likelihood of undesired behaviours.

I can relate to this theory based on my own experience where I ensure my homework is

completed to avoid being punished and try to be ahead of other students in answering

questions for the rewards, especially verbal compliments in front of others.

The learning affected preconceptions or misconceptions that brought into my class which I

had the view that punishment alone can be used to motivate the students. After learning this

theory, I realized the technique I applied in my classroom is not effective. Being forceful

especially when asking students to redo their work may demotivate them, for they are

repeating the same task against their will. It might result in short term motivation, but the
technique resulted in the students dreading both the subject and teacher. As such, my view

of using punishment alone to motivate students is definitely ineffective and wrong.

Hence, my learning has significantly altered my view of learning and instruction in schools

for now I realized that as educators, we shall use reinforcement’s classroom in encouraging

the repetition of favourable behaviours. We may use positive reinforcement such as rewards

and compliments, or negative reinforcement through the removal of undesirable stimulus. I

also learned that frequent use of reinforcement may turn out to be ineffective such as

complimenting students each time they answer a question correctly. Educators shall use

punishment such as criticism only when they want the students to stop unfavourable

behaviour such as coming late to class. Punishment cannot be used to motivate. Therefore, I

realized the techniques used in classrooms, especially punishment, may be detrimental to

the student’s progress.

The knowledge that I gained surely will change my behaviour in the future. The method I

have learned now I can readily apply in my immediate teachings. Therefore, I will improve

my teaching process by practising it on day-to-day basis. However, I realized that

behaviours are unique with everyone, therefore I have to continuously adapt and be aware

of the fundamentals on understanding uniqueness of individual student behaviour and reflect

on my techniques in improving my teaching framework.