A fundamental theory in educational psychology, operant conditioning holds that rewards and penalties have an impact on behavior. This theory is implemented in classrooms by using strategies like rewarding good actions and discouraging undesired ones. Operant conditioning has drawbacks even if it works well in some situations. It may overlook intrinsic motivation and cognitive processes that are essential for deep learning because it oversimplifies the complex factors influencing student behavior. Over-reliance on outside rewards can eventually erode inner motivation as well, raising ethical questions for the educational system.
Instructors need to incorporate cognitive theories and operant conditioning to accommodate individual variances and a range of learning styles. Developing more successful teaching tactics is aided by an understanding of the differences in students' motivations and learning preferences. Teachers can design environments that support deeper knowledge and lifelong learning skills in addition to surface-level behaviors by fusing behavioral strategies with cognitive insights.
Reference
McLatchie, J., Hanke, K., Goto, S., & Thickett, K. (n.d.). B.F. Skinner and operant conditioning:
Contributions to modern day society. Psychological Roots Past and Present Perspectives in the Field of Psychology Under Development. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/psychologicalroots/chapter/b-f-skinner-and-operant-conditioning-contributions-to-modern-day-society/
I love your take on operant behavior and learning. I for one was motivated by teachers' approval and validation growing up. Being praised in front of my other classmates gave me confidence and a desire to continue working hard. As I grew older and the praises stopped, i learned i could not solely rely on others praising me for my work and came to understand the best work is done when no one is watching.
ReplyDelete