Educational Psychology:

Theory and Practice

Chapter 5
Behavioral Theories of Learning
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ISBN: 0-205-31479-1
“You often learn
when you don’t
intend to learn,
and you often
teach when you
don’t intend to
teach”
What is Learning?
 A Change in Behavior as a Result of
Experience
 Examples of Learned Behaviors
 Non-Examples (Unlearned Behaviors)
 Intentional Learning
 Unintentional Learning
 Behavioral Theories of Learning Emphasize
Observable Behavior
Pavlov: Classical Conditioning
Unconditioned Unconditioned
Stimulus Response

Neutral Stimulus

Conditioned Stimulus Conditioned

Response
Give an Example of Classical
Conditioning in a Classroom
Setting
 Can You Identify the
Components in Classical
Conditioning Examples?
 Unconditioned Stimulus
 Unconditioned Response
 Conditioned Stimulus
 Conditioned Response
Thorndike: The Law of Effect
“…the consequences of one’s present
behavior play a crucial role in determining
one’s future behavior.” (p. 144)
B.F. Skinner
 Skinner: Operant Conditioning

Stimulus Response Reinforcement

 Principles: Reinforcement
 A Consequence That Strengthens a Behavior
 Repeat: Reinforcement Strengthens a Behavior
 If the Frequency of a Behavior Increases After
a Consequence, the Consequence is a
Reinforcer
 There Are Several Types of Reinforcers
Principles: Reinforcers
 Primary and Secondary
 Positive and Negative
 Free and Contingent/dependent (Premack
Principle)
 Intrinsic(inherent) and Extrinsic
 Continuous and Intermittent (Schedules)
 Principles: Punishment
 A Consequence That Weakens a Behavior
 Repeat: Punishment Weakens a Behavior
 If the Frequency of a Behavior Decreases
After a Consequence, the Consequence is a
Punisher
 There Are Several Types of Punishers
Principles: Punishers
 Presentation and Removal
 Time Out
 Effectiveness of Punishment
 Can You Distinguish Between
the Different Types of
Behavioral Consequences?
 Positive Reinforcement
 Negative Reinforcement
 Punishment
Principles: Shaping
 Reinforcing Approaching Final Behavior
 Breaking Task into Parts
 Using in Classroom
Principles: Extinction
 Behavior That Is Not Reinforced Will
Weaken
 Extinction Burst
 Considerations In Classroom Management
Social Learning Theory: Bandura

 Modeling
 Phases of Observational Learning
Behavioral Principles in the
Classroom
 Avoid Over justification Effect - Zimbardo
 Guidelines on the use of Rewards –
 Give Rewards to Inform
 Rewards Should Not Be Used to Manipulate
 Reward for Academic Performance
 Reward Incentives Should Be
Inconspicuous/ordinary
 Bribes Weaken Intrinsic Motivation