Application in Education
Similarities and Differences
Just as there are differences and similarities between Skinner and Pavlov’s theories, the same could be observed when applying their theories to education. As for the first similarity, both theories involve the process of pairing (Lee, 2005). Pavlov’s classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to create an unconditioned response. When this pairing is demonstrated multiple times the desired behavior becomes the conditioned response. Pavlov would exemplify this process in education. For example, a teacher starts clapping their hands to promote silence from the class. The clapping of the teacher’s hands would signify the neutral stimulus while …show more content…
However, Skinner pairs a behavior with a following consequence (Lee,2005). These consequences are also known as reinforcers and punishers. This is seen all the time in a classroom setting. Using the same example from above, if the teachers wants the classroom to be silent they will verbally prompt the students to quiet down. When the desired behavior has been reached the teacher will reinforce such behavior with a tootsie roll. If a child is not to comply, the punishment would be removal of a sticker on the student reward system board.
Another similarity between Pavlov and Skinner is that both their theories do not need the desired behavior to be learned before conditioning takes place.
For Pavlov and education, he would say that a students does not start school with the fear of testing. The constant pairing of test taking and failing creates fear of testing for the future. Another example is that a student does not begin school with anxiety but the constant pairing of going to school and being bullied results in …show more content…
For Skinner, learning is completed successfully when presented in small steps. This also would mean starting from simplistic to more complex material. Following operant conditioning, Skinner would insist on rapid feedback; immediate consequences following the desired behavior. This is necessary whether the information is learned correctly or incorrectly. If a student gets the material wrong immediate feedback (consequence) disables the student from continuing to do their work the wrong way. To prevent the desired behavior from extinction, reinforcement would be given every time the desired behavior is produced. After the desired response is achieved, reinforcement would be given periodically. This enables the response to become more resistant to
Similarities and Differences
Just as there are differences and similarities between Skinner and Pavlov’s theories, the same could be observed when applying their theories to education. As for the first similarity, both theories involve the process of pairing (Lee, 2005). Pavlov’s classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to create an unconditioned response. When this pairing is demonstrated multiple times the desired behavior becomes the conditioned response. Pavlov would exemplify this process in education. For example, a teacher starts clapping their hands to promote silence from the class. The clapping of the teacher’s hands would signify the neutral stimulus while …show more content…
However, Skinner pairs a behavior with a following consequence (Lee,2005). These consequences are also known as reinforcers and punishers. This is seen all the time in a classroom setting. Using the same example from above, if the teachers wants the classroom to be silent they will verbally prompt the students to quiet down. When the desired behavior has been reached the teacher will reinforce such behavior with a tootsie roll. If a child is not to comply, the punishment would be removal of a sticker on the student reward system board.
Another similarity between Pavlov and Skinner is that both their theories do not need the desired behavior to be learned before conditioning takes place.
For Pavlov and education, he would say that a students does not start school with the fear of testing. The constant pairing of test taking and failing creates fear of testing for the future. Another example is that a student does not begin school with anxiety but the constant pairing of going to school and being bullied results in …show more content…
For Skinner, learning is completed successfully when presented in small steps. This also would mean starting from simplistic to more complex material. Following operant conditioning, Skinner would insist on rapid feedback; immediate consequences following the desired behavior. This is necessary whether the information is learned correctly or incorrectly. If a student gets the material wrong immediate feedback (consequence) disables the student from continuing to do their work the wrong way. To prevent the desired behavior from extinction, reinforcement would be given every time the desired behavior is produced. After the desired response is achieved, reinforcement would be given periodically. This enables the response to become more resistant to