The focus of this week's reading was the behavioral and social theories of learning. Chapter five in Slavin (2014) focused on the theorist Ivan Pavlov, B.F. Skinner, Bandura, and Meichenbaum. These theorist creates studies on how they believe student behavioral learn.
Analysis
First, what is a behavioral learning theory? According to Slavin (2018), "Behavioral learning theories focus on the ways that pleasurable or unpleasant consequences of behavior change individuals' behavior over time and the way individuals model their behavior on that of others" (page 97). While behavioral learning focuses on behavior changes, social learning focuses on actions. Slavin (2018) stated, "Social learning theories focus on the effects of thought on action and of action on thought" (page 97). There are two important theorist who presented research on behavioral learning theories. Ivan Pavlov research presented an idea called Classical Conditioning. He stated there can be different behaviors based on the conditions. There are four important conditions that can happen. The conditions are unconditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, neutral stimuli, conditioned stimulus, and classical conditioning. B. F. Skinner presented research saying that the "use of pleasant and unpleasant consequences to change behavior is often referred to as operant conditioning" (Slavin 2018, page 99). In addition, Skinner developed the Skinner box, "a device that contains a very simple apparatus for studying the behavior of animals, usually rats and pigeons" (Slavin (2018, page 99).
Second, there are several principles of behavioral learning. They are the role of consequence, reinforcers, punishers, immediacy of consequences, shaping, extinction, schedules of reinforcement, maintenance, and the role of antecedents. All of these describe how behavior shapes. Many of these principles can be positive or negative. "Intentional teachers are aware of principles of behavioral and social learning and use them flexibly to help students become productive and capable learners" (Slavin 2018, page 117).
Last, there are two social learning theories that contributed to the understanding of how students may learn. "Social learning theory is a major outgrowth of the behavioral learning theory tradition" (Slavin 2018, page 112). One theorist who provided research of the social learning theory was Bandura. Bandura believes humans learn based on modeling and observation. "Bandura's (1997) analysis of observational learning involves four phases: the attentional, retention, reproduction, and motivational phases" (Slavin 2018, page 112). The last theorist is Meichenbaum. He believes in a model of self regulated learning. Meichenbaum believes students regulate their learning by asking themselves questions and monitoring their own progress and achievement.
Reflection
Behavior and Social Theories of Learning is a controversial topic because all students are not the same. So one theory may work for one but not for another. The theorist I agree the most with is Meichenbaum's. I believe students regulate their own learning. They can decide when to turn it on and off. It is the teachers responsibility to keep the students engaged so that they can keep it on. Yes, I do believe the way a student is reinforced or given consequences has an effect on their learning and behavior but then it comes back to what does that student decide to do. Slavin (2018) stated, Encouraging self- regulated learning is a means of teaching students to think about their own thinking" (page 115). In my classroom I try to encourage self- regulated learning. In order to promote self- regulated learning I give rubrics. This helps the students guide themselves and ensure they have all components of their tasks. With the advances in technology, a lot of teachers are turning to self- regulated learning. In my County, they have changed the Science curriculum to just about 90% of self regulated learning. I believe Science is the test for self- regulated learning and soon every subject will follow suit.
Slavin, R. E. (2018). Educational Psychology: Theory and practice (12th ed.). NY, NY: Pearson.
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