Human Development and Learning (EDU-302)
Asifa Ashiq
Bc230402851
Assignment 1 (Spring-2024)
Total Marks: 20
Lectures: 1-15 (Topics: 1-50)
Define Behaviorism. Enlist different approaches used in Behaviorism. Discuss one
approach in detail keeping in mind the context of human development and learning.
(2+3+15)
Behaviorism :
Behaviorism is the theory that all behaviors are determined entirely by external stimuli in the
environment. This means that every choice that is made, every action that is taken, by any given person,
is because of how they have been conditioned to respond to environmental stimuli.
Behaviorism in education, or behavioral learning theory is a branch of psychology that focuses on how
people learn through their interactions with the environment. It is based on the idea that all behaviors are
acquired through conditioning, which is a process of reinforcement and punishment. According to this
theory, learning is a change in observable behavior that results from experience.
Application of Behaviorism in the Classroom:
There are many ways that teachers can apply behaviorism in the classroom to enhance
student learning and behavior. Here are some examples of behaviorist teaching
strategies:
Positive reinforcement entails offering rewards or incentives to strengthen desired
behaviors. This can include verbal praise, stickers, tokens, or other tangible rewards.
By positively reinforcing desired behaviors, educators can motivate students and
increase the likelihood of those behaviors being repeated. For example, a teacher can
praise a student for completing their homework, give them a sticker for raising their
hand, or reward them with extra recess time for being cooperative.
Positive reinforcement can have several benefits, such as:
It encourages students to repeat desirable behaviors and achieve their goals.
It boosts students’ self-esteem and confidence.
It fosters a positive and nurturing learning atmosphere
Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement is the removal of an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior to
increase its frequency. For example, a teacher can reduce the amount of homework for
a student who performs well on a test, allow them to skip a quiz if they score high on
a pre-test, or exempt them from a penalty if they correct their mistake.
Negative reinforcement can have several benefits, such as:
It helps students avoid or escape from unpleasant or aversive situations.
It increases students’ motivation and persistence.
It reduces students’ anxiety and stress.
Punishment
Punishment involves applying negative consequences to discourage undesirable
behaviors. It can take the form of reprimands, time-outs, or loss of privileges. For
example, a teacher can scold a student for talking out of turn, take away their
privileges for breaking a rule, or give them extra work for not paying attention.
However, it is important to use punishment judiciously and consider its potential
impact on the student’s motivation and self-esteem.
Punishment can have several drawbacks, such as:
It can cause students to resent or fear the teacher or the subject.
It can damage students’ self-esteem and confidence.
It can lead to aggression, defiance, or avoidance behaviors.
Modeling
Modeling involves demonstrating desired behaviors for students to observe and
imitate. Educators can act as positive role models by displaying appropriate behavior
and providing examples of how to perform certain tasks or handle specific situations.
For example, a teacher can show students how to solve a math problem, how to write
an essay, or how to behave in a group project.
Modeling can have several benefits, such as:
It provides students with clear and concrete examples of what to do and how to
do it.
It helps students acquire new skills and knowledge faster and easier.
It influences students’ attitudes and values by showing them what is acceptable
and desirable.
Shaping
Shaping is the process of gradually reinforcing successive approximations of a desired
behavior until it is mastered. This technique breaks down complex behaviors into
smaller, manageable steps, allowing students to develop the desired skills or behaviors
gradually. For example, a teacher can reward a student for writing one sentence, then
two sentences, then a paragraph, until they can write a full essay.
Shaping can have several benefits, such as:
It helps students overcome difficulties and challenges by breaking down
complex tasks into manageable steps.
It allows teachers to monitor and adjust instruction and feedback according to
each student’s progress and performance.
It fosters creativity and innovation by encouraging students to try new things
and explore different possibilities.
