Professional Documents
Culture Documents
: Laely Istiqomah
Student Number
: F12112011
Class
: B+
Subject
: TEFL Methodology
Behaviorism is the theory that describes learning is due to an observable change in behavior. The
behaviors are sometimes learned in the process. In this theory, the learners observe the
information, practice the information and then receive reinforcement through praise. The classic
example of behaviorism is when Pavlov used classic conditioning to investigate the digestive
system of dogs. Pavlov conditioned the dogs to react to the sound of a tuning fork. The tuning
fork became a conditioned stimulus. Other famous theorists include Edward Thorndike who is
known for inventing the puzzle box to investigate problem solving in animals and B. F. Skinner
who is known for inventing the concept of operant conditioning.
Classroom Implication
In a Behaviorist classroom learning takes place through acquiring facts, concepts and skills. In
this type of classroom one may observe a reward system for positive learning behavior. There
may be a money system where the students earn classroom buck to spend at a later time. Also,
there may be progress charts visible. In this classroom, there may be contracts on a particular
students desk. Also, the learners will be receiving effective praise in small and large
accomplishments. Also, the teacher reinforces for both positive and negative behavior. The
teacher is a supervisor in the Behaviorist classroom. Finally in this classroom there may be an
emphasis on mastery learning with rewards and consequences in place.
Common misconception about negative reinforcement
Sample1a.BillyhatesMr.Pierce'smathclass.Hehaslearnedthatifheactsoutinclass,hecan
getoutoftheclass.Hestartsactingoutmorefrequentlyinclass,sothathedoesn'thavetobein
class.Whatconsequenceisbeingappliedtohisactingoutbehavior?
Behavior
Acting out in class
Consequence
Gets out of (avoids) class