Behaviorism is a theory that behavior is shaped by consequences in the environment through positive and negative reinforcement or punishment. Key figures who developed behaviorism include Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, and B.F. Skinner, who developed the theory of operant conditioning. The document discusses how behaviorism can be incorporated into classroom learning through using schedules, reinforcement, and operant learning techniques like associating desired behaviors with rewards and undesired behaviors with consequences.

1. Behaviorism
Jennifer Batinchok

2. Menu
Behaviorism:
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What is it? Key Figures How it Works My Classroom
Resources and Links to
Learn More…
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3. What is Behaviorism?
 Behavior is stimulated by
the environment
 People act in response to
physical change

4. Why is Behaviorism Important in
Education?
 Positive/Negative reinforcement can
manipulate a desired behavior
– Positive: rewards
– Negative: take away a privilege
 Self-satisfaction will eventually replace the
physical reward

5. Key Figures of Behaviorism
 Ivan Pavlov
(1849-1936)
 John B. Watson
(1878-1958)
 B. F. Skinner
(1904-1990)

6. B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)
 American Psychologist
 Leading advocate for behaviorism within schools
 Operant Conditioning: the affect of punishment
and reinforcement on behavior
 Professor at Harvard University
 Identified as the most influential psychologist in
the 20th century

7. Incorporated in the classroom?
 Schedules
 Reinforcement
 Operant Learning

8. How Exactly is Operant Learning
incorporated in the Classroom?
 Associate a desired behavior with a
positive reinforcement
– Example: A reward for getting grades
 Associate an undesired behavior with a
negative reinforcement
– Example: A timeout for bad behavior

9. How Behaviorism will be
Incorporated into my Classroom
 Daily and Weekly
schedules
 Positive and Negative
Reinforcement

10. Details on Reinforcement in my
Classroom
 Reinforcement
– Good Behavior
 Links will be given
 Links can be saved and cashed for rewards
– Bad Behavior
 Timeouts
 Sitting out for free time and recess
 Disciplinary Ladder

11. Resources and Links
 Operant Learning
– http://medical-
dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Operant+learning
 Behaviorism Learning Theory
– http://psychology.about.com/od/historyofpsychology/a/psyc
 B.F. Skinner
– http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajorthinkers/p/b