CHAPTER – 4
Theories of Learning
Group -1
Theories of Learning
◊ Research by education psychology
How pupils learn
◊ Teacher understand Relate with teaching method
Guide them to achieve learning result
Behaviorism
Cognitive
◊ Learning Theories Humanistic
(four main theoretical perspectives) Constructivism
4.1 Learning Theories Based on Behavioral Perspective
◊ Founded by John B. Watson (1878 – 1958)
◊ Emphasizes - observable
- measureable behavior
- the overt behavior of organism
- its effect on environment
Burrhus Frederic Skinner
Ivan Pavlov
Edward Thorndike
◊ Among the well - known, influential behaviorists in the
information of learning theory are Pavlov, Thorndike and Skinner.
◊ They were of the view that learning is related with changes in
human behavior.
◊ During the process of their experiments, they placed their
attention on the relationship between stimuli and responses
which resulted in changes of behavior.
◊ At such, their learning theory is also known as Stimulus –
Response Theory.
Operant
Conditioning Theory
by B.F. Skinner
Skinner’s Operant Conditioning
• Can be used to simple behaving in learning only, but is unable to
explain other type of behavior in learning.
• For example ; A dog
The response – to stand
The stimulus - food
• standing (conditioned response) will only occur after the
conditioned stimulus is given.
• termed this type of learning as operant conditioning.
• Learning occur because of the influence of the consequences
that follow.
• Thus, operant conditioning is a form of learning in which
voluntary responses are influenced by their consequences.
Response Stimulus Effect on
(Behaviour) (Reinforcement) behaviour
Lesson Rewards with Motivation to
revision good grades study increase
Figure 4.1 Example of Operant Conditioning
• Learning occur because of the influence of the consequences
that follow.
• Thus, operant conditioning is a form of learning in which
voluntary responses are influenced by their consequences.
Response Stimulus Effect on
(Behaviour) (Reinforcement) behaviour
Lesson Rewards with Motivation to
revision good grades study increase
Figure 4.1 Example of Operant Conditioning
Skinner observed that almost all human behavior
(TWO categories)
Respondent behavior Operant behavior
• An unconditioned behavior which has • A kind of voluntary or expected
been explained by Pavlov in his behavior and it will not operate with
Conditioning Theory. stimulus which has been ascertained
• This behavior is actually the response before.
towards stimulus from the • Operant behavior would be
environment. strengthened if suitable reinforcement
is given immediately after the response.
Figure 4.2 Skinner’s Box
Possibility of repeating desirable (or
Positive
undesirable) operant behaviour will be
reinforcement
enhanced.
Operant
behavior
Possibility of repeating the operant
Negative behaviour will be enhanced by transferring
reinforcement or removing the unpleasant stimulus.
Figure 4.3 Effects of Reinforcement on Operant Behavior
The Operant Conditioning Learning Model covers - three important concepts
Concept – 1
If the response achieves its desired result, then it will be established
and sustained.
Concept – 2
Any stimulus which can sustain individual response is known as
reinforce, or reinforcing stimulus.
Positive Negative
reinforcer reinforcer
Reward Punishment
Concept – 3
Implications of Skinner’s Operant Conditioning Theory
in Teaching and Learning
1. A newly learned skill or technique ought to be given continuous
reinforcement, followed by intermittent reinforcement, so that this skill or
technique can be strengthened and sustained.
2. The use of positive reinforcement which gives pleasant result is more
effective than negative reinforcement.
3. The extinction process through operant conditioning is suitable and can be
used to modify pupil’s undesirable behavior, for instance to stop the
reinforcement which has been given before, whether positive reinforcement
or negative reinforcement.
4. Guide pupils to master the concept of discrimination through the operant
conditioning process so that they will acquire, accurately, knowledge and skill.
5. Sometimes, negative reinforcement is also suitable and can be used to
achieve the desired behavior. For instance, withdrawal of pervious recess time
if the pupil does not follow rules or discipline in the classroom.
