The Behaviourist Theory of Learning John W Gardner

The Behaviourist Theory of Learning

John W Gardner (1912 – 2002) “We think of the mind as a storehouse to be filled when we should be thinking of it as an instrument to be used. ”

What is the Behaviourist Theory? Learning is nothing more than the acquisition of new behaviour based on environmental conditions – linking a new behaviour to a stimulus by providing reinforcement after the correct behaviour is produced.

The Theorists �Pavlov (1849 – 1936) �Skinner (1904 – 1990) �Watson (1878 – 1958)

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov �Russian scientist �Nobel prize winner in 1904 �Famous for “Pavlov’s dogs”

Pavlov’s Dogs http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Cpo. Lx. E N 54 ho

Pavlov’s Theory “Events that previously had no relation to a given reflex could, through experience, trigger a reflex. ” Fredholm, L. (2001). Pavlov’s Dog. <http: //nobelprize. org/educational/medicine/pavlov/readmore. html? print=1> [accessed 29 th March 2011]

Burrhus Frederic Skinner �American Psychologist �Author �Famous for “Skinner box”

Skinner’s Box www. youtube. com/watch? v=PQt. DTd. Dr 8 vs &feature=related

Skinner’s Theory “Changes in behaviour are the result of an individual's response to events” Kearsley, G. (2011), Explorations in Learning & Instruction: Theory Into Practice Database. <http: //tip. psychology. org/skinner. html> [accessed 29 th March 2011]

John Broadus Watson �American Psychologist �Coined the term "Behaviourism" in 1913 �Famous for Little Albert experiments

Little Albert http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Xt 0 ucx Or. PQE&feature=related

Watson’s Theory “only observable events, and not mental states, are the substance of psychology” Epstein, R. (1987), John B Watson. <http: //www. answers. com/topic/john-b-watson> [accessed 29 th March 2011]

Advantages of Behaviourism �Easily controlled by teacher �Some learners benefit from repetition �Rewards and punishments are clear �Ease of motivation

Disadvantages of Behaviourism �Ignores thought processes and emotions �Repetition may become boring �Totally teacher orientated �Little or no input from learners