Behaviorism Offering Learning Perspectives
"Man's struggle for freedom is not due to a will to be free, but to certain behavioral processes characteristic of the human organism, the chief effect of which is the avoidance of or escape from a so-called 'aversive' features of the environment." (Skinner 38)
Behaviorism as a learning perspective could help to shed light on learning disabilities or attitudes that may have otherwise been considered insubordination due to lack of respect resulting in attitudes or avoidance because of a perceived lack of freedom in an education setting. Students feeling corralled in education are bound to lash out due to frustration; however, a learning perspective’s point of view tells us that all actions are based on a behavior trait. A student's harsh reaction to something in class could simply be because of a lack of understanding. Paying closer attention to the reasons behind such behaviors helps to create a more inviting learning environment. Behaviorism as a branch of learning perspective tells us that children can be judged on their day-to-day behaviors be they good or bad. _The positive would be that the teacher is paying attention to the child’s feelings in so far as their actions. By doing this the teacher pays better attention to what affects the mood of a student and from there could possibly adjust the learning environment of a frustrated pupil. If a learning disabilities is identified a solution can be prescribed.
Skinner’s article refers to behaviorism as something that teaches avoidance. I believe that to be a narrow minded view. There are far more positives to using an analytical behaviorism process in the classroom than negatives. When used to the proper ends behaviorism and learning perspectives can benefit both strong and weak students. In an environment that takes care to observe the needs, wants, weaknesses, strengths, issues and opinions of a student there is bound to be an increase in willing participants. Paying attention to behaviorism benefits all parties; it helps students get what they need to learn and helps teachers create a stable learning environment. If students voice are heard and respected then a new freedom of education can ensue.
K.D.
• Taking Sides (Issue 3: Should Behaviorism Shape Educational Practices?) pp. 31-47
• YES: Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity (pp. 33-38)
• NO: Rogers, C. R. (1983). Freedom to Learn for the Eighties (pp. 39-46)
Behaviorism as a learning perspective could help to shed light on learning disabilities or attitudes that may have otherwise been considered insubordination due to lack of respect resulting in attitudes or avoidance because of a perceived lack of freedom in an education setting. Students feeling corralled in education are bound to lash out due to frustration; however, a learning perspective’s point of view tells us that all actions are based on a behavior trait. A student's harsh reaction to something in class could simply be because of a lack of understanding. Paying closer attention to the reasons behind such behaviors helps to create a more inviting learning environment. Behaviorism as a branch of learning perspective tells us that children can be judged on their day-to-day behaviors be they good or bad. _The positive would be that the teacher is paying attention to the child’s feelings in so far as their actions. By doing this the teacher pays better attention to what affects the mood of a student and from there could possibly adjust the learning environment of a frustrated pupil. If a learning disabilities is identified a solution can be prescribed.
Skinner’s article refers to behaviorism as something that teaches avoidance. I believe that to be a narrow minded view. There are far more positives to using an analytical behaviorism process in the classroom than negatives. When used to the proper ends behaviorism and learning perspectives can benefit both strong and weak students. In an environment that takes care to observe the needs, wants, weaknesses, strengths, issues and opinions of a student there is bound to be an increase in willing participants. Paying attention to behaviorism benefits all parties; it helps students get what they need to learn and helps teachers create a stable learning environment. If students voice are heard and respected then a new freedom of education can ensue.
K.D.
• Taking Sides (Issue 3: Should Behaviorism Shape Educational Practices?) pp. 31-47
• YES: Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity (pp. 33-38)
• NO: Rogers, C. R. (1983). Freedom to Learn for the Eighties (pp. 39-46)