Behaviorist theories of learning

Behaviorist theories of learning seek scientific, demonstrable explanations for simple behaviors. For these reasons, and since humans are considered to resemble machines, behaviorist explanations tend to be somewhat mechanical in nature.

"They make use of one or both of two principal classes of explanations for learning: those based on contiguity (simultaneity of stimulus and response events) and those based on the effects of behavior (reinforcement and punishment)" (Lefrancois 1988:29).

Understanding some principles from behaviorist theory can help you in your work. Here are some principles to apply:

• The following are valuable:

  • Repetition
  • Small, concrete, progressively sequenced tasks
  • Positive and negative reinforcement
  • Consistency in the use of reinforcers during the teaching-learning process
• Habits and other undesirable responses can be broken by removing the positive reinforcers connected with them.
• Immediate, consistent, and positive reinforcement increases the speed of learning.
• Once an item is learned, intermittent reinforcement will promote retention.

For many years, these concepts from behavioral theory formed the basis of most of the learning theory applied in child rearing and in classrooms. Parents and teachers still find that, in many instances, individuals do learn when provided with the appropriate blend of stimuli, rewards, negative reinforcement, and punishments. Especially with small children and simpler tasks, behavioral principles are often effective.

Eventually, however, educators began to feel that although stimulus-response does explain many human behaviors and has a legitimate place in instruction, behaviorism alone was not sufficient to explain all the phenomena observed in learning situations. The cognitive approach began to gain attention, while the behaviorist theorists went on to explore the possibilities of programmed learning for the computer age. Today, all computer-assisted instruction is solidly planted on the foundation laid by behaviorist researchers.

• Early behaviorist theories of learning
• Behaviorist theory of learning (Skinner)

• Learning theories

• Overview module: Behaviorist theories of learning
• In overview module: Learning theories, by Patricia M. Davis
• In overview module: Learning research, by Patricia M. Davis
• In overview module: Reading and learning research, by Kenneth A. Boothe (contributor) and Leah B. Walter (contributor)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 2 July 1998

© 1999 SIL International