Applications of Behaviorism on Education

     The main application that the behaviorist psychology teaches us is the role of external factors in learning. The factors include the people around the learner, the reinforcements given and the learning environment either physical or psychological environment.

   You may want to read my posts on Behaviorism here:

Ivan Pavlov's Classical Conditioning

Burrhus Frederick Skinner's Operant Conditioning

    The following are just some of the applications. Take note that you as a teacher can actually apply these theories depending on how you understood them as long as this will help in the learning of your pupils/students.

1. Use conditioning especially in establishing routines. Routines are very effective means not only in saving time but also in maintaining order inside the classroom. For example, a teacher will raise his/her hand and sign as if counting 1-3. This signals that papers should be passed at the count of three. (Pavlov's Classical Conditioning)

2. Drills help especially in retention and improvement of learning. Allot a time for drills, practice and exercise especially before giving a test. Remember to give feedbacks and point out the things that need to be improved. (Thorndike's Law of Exercise)

3. Let pupils have proper mind sets before starting a lesson. A pre-activity, mini-game, warm up exercise, songs, energizers, icebreakers and a lot more can be used by the teacher. As much as possible, avoid promising something that will excite the pupils/students and then at the end break it. This might cause frustration among pupils. (Thorndike's Law of Readiness)

4. Rewards can be an effective means to motivate learners. However, use this very wisely especially in giving material rewards. Also remember that inner and non-material rewards like self-fulfillment, self improvement, positive emotions, praises and compliments are more fulfilling than any material rewards. (Skinner's Operant Conditioning)

    Now are you ready to answer LET questions related to behaviorism? Try this short quiz here:

LET Sample Questions: Behaviorism