Behavioral Views of Learning: Operant Conditioning


https://www.verywellmind.com/operant-conditioning-a2-2794863

What is Operant Conditioning?

Operant conditioning is learning to behave in different ways based on how different things act in the environment around us.

How does Operant Conditioning affect learning?

Because operant conditioning is basically based on the stimuli around us, it is important to recognize to recognize the before and after of one's behavior. So, what happened before causing the person to act this way? What is the result? Two "consequences" can help strengthen behavior that is dependent upon the environment around the student. 

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is a consequence that actually strengthens whichever behavior it follows. So, if the behavior is good, the reinforcer will reinforce that good behavior. There are two types of reinforcement: positive and negative. An example of positive reinforcement would be receiving high grades, while a negative reinforcement would be being excused from something a child usually doesn't like to do, such as chores. Reinforcement always means strengthening or increasing behavior.

Punishment

Punishment is something that usually makes a behavior less likely to be repeated again, that is in similar situations. Different from reinforcement, punishments mean decreasing or suppressing behavior. There are also positive and negative punishments. Positive punishment would be something like an after school detention while a negative punishment would be not allowing tv to be watched for one week. 

Summary

In order to get the best possible learning outcome with operant conditioning, it is important to recognize the stimuli around the student and give clear and concise expectations for how the behavior should be when giving a task. In addition, make sure to include a clear goal! It is important to recognize the students strengths and their behavior that goes along with that to ensure similar behavior to get the best outcome!

Source: Educational Phycology Textbook by Pearson; 14th edition

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