Behaviorism
Behaviorism is a a theory based on the idea that certain stimuli can illicit a specific response or behaviour in an individual.
When applied to learning, the theory is that a teacher can get certain behaviour from their student by encouraging a certain type of response. Behaviorism is based on observable behavior (Resource: http://gsi.berkeley.edu/gsi-guide-contents/learning-theory-research/behaviorism/)
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Teaching methods used in a behaviorist environment are typically methods that involve learning by repetition to ensure that the desired response is achieved and also question and answer types of activities. Positive reinforcement is provided by verbal praise, good grades or prizes.
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Behaviorist teaching methods is used most effectively to teach content that has a very clear correct answer.
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Behaviorism is seen as a kind of outdated learning theory and most learning designers favor other theories like Constructivism these days, but behaviorism can still be applied in our environment today (Resource: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/behaviorism-instructional-design-elearning-when-how-keramida-m-ed-)
Example of behaviorism
On the page about Personal Learning experiences, I explain how my maths teacher taught maths.
We learnt by repetition and then via positive reinforcement.
This is a good example of behaviorist theory put to practise because a stimulus is introduced in the form of a question and a response is given in the form of positive or negative feedback, depending on if the question is correct or not. A behaviorist approach is often used when teaching subjects like mathematics, because there is only one correct answer.
An example of a learning scenario where behaviorism is used is in elearning, where there is potentially only one correct answer. A correct answer can be rewarded by a score and positive feedback, ensuring that desired behavior is reinforced. An incorrect answer will receive no score and feedback to ensure that undersired behaviour is weakened.
As an elearning developer, I am very familiar with these techniques and have used them as described above, but also with an added gamified element where a score is assigned for a correct answer.
Sources
Behaviourism, Graduate Student Instructor Teaching and Resource Centre, Berkely Graduate Division. Retrievable from: http://gsi.berkeley.edu/gsi-guide-contents/learning-theory-research/behaviorism/
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Behaviourism and Developments in Instructional Design and Technology (Distance Learning). Retrievable from: http://what-when-how.com/distance-learning/behaviorism-and-developments-in-instructional-design-and-technology-distance-learning/
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Keramida, M (2015, May 28), Behaviorism in Instructional Design for elearning: When and How. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/behaviorism-instructional-design-elearning-when-how-keramida-m-ed-
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