Learning Theory

Learning theories are the set of principles that outline the methods, by which individuals acquire and retain knowledge. Several theories of learning focus on the different ways of how people incorporate knowledge. For instance, behaviorist theory concentrates on the observable behavior of individuals. It states that individuals’ behavior is greatly influenced by the environment and their response to stimuli. This approach can be incorporated in class activities by teachers to help in the management of the class and to motivate the learning of students. Behaviorist theory has several impacts on students and teachers. Specifically, it ensures a proper behavior among students, thus boosting their performance. This theory also helps teachers manage the classroom through the provision of instructions and guidelines. Moreover, it is a crucial aspect of the planning of instructional time for the students that is achieved through such ways as allocating time for issuing instruction and students’ assessment. This aspect also assists the instructors in managing and encouraging students to focus on their learning expectations and set goals.

Theories of learning are the set of doctrines that outline how individuals incorporate and recall the knowledge, acquired through various ways. Several theories of learning are based on the way people learn, and among them is behaviorist theory. This theory explains the process, by which people acquire knowledge, based on the measurable and the observable behavior according to the responses to stimuli. Other theories of learning include cognitive theory that states that learning involves the processing of information, which leads to understanding and later retention of knowledge. The constructivist theory of learning explains that people gather knowledge based on their individual experiences. At the same time, information processing theory is built on the assumption that people process information received rather than a response to stimuli. The incorporation of learning in the classroom with these theories by the engagement of students into the participation in the class activities is efficient. This aspect is important since the theories of learning ensure effective learning and teaching in the class that can be accomplished through the use of a wide range of methods in the learning process. The use of this technique allows students to understand the presented information and work towards a better performance. This also promotes the engagement of students in the learning process through the enhancement of their environment. Thus, learning theories are significant in the course of acquiring knowledge because they outline the different and efficient methods that enable learners to understand information presented, and behaviorist theory is the focus of this discussion.

Behaviorism theory of learning focuses on the observable behaviors and 

actions of individuals. It states that people’s responses are determined by the environmental condition as the learner is always passive. John Watson founded this theory after studying the experiments performed by Ivan Pavlov who had conducted a series of researches on dogs and established the aspect of classical conditioning. Several assumptions are present in this theory, including the fact that learners’ behavior is always the result of the responses to stimuli either through association or reinforcement. The argument assumes that individuals always start with a clean conduct, but it is shaped by positive and negative reinforcements that determine the possibility of the occurrence of an event again. The Christian worldview of teaching shows that teachers are experts who are conversant with the science of education and who have an upgraded ability to diagnose students’ requirements and find their learning solutions. Behaviorism theory helps teachers plan instructional time for the learners in schools based on individual student’s development through such ways as allocating time for issuing the instruction or the assessment of students’ behavior performance. There is the need for schools to allocate days and hours for instructions, whereby trained teachers deliver instructions to students. Another way of planning for instructional time is the assessment of students. This aspect helps study their behavior, thus allowing teachers to examine a significant problem and develop an appropriate instruction. Moreover, the teacher can master the strengths and weaknesses of the learners. Issuing instructions to students is essential for their development since it guides their behavior in class, thus boosting their concentration.

Differentiating Class Activities

Class activities can be differentiated to incorporate behaviorism theory as it focuses on the conditioning of the behavior of students through such ways as behavior reinforcements and consequences. Adopting this method is an easy way to achieve a positive reinforcement, whereby the teacher praises their students for better performance. There are ways of appreciating, including the issuing of rewards to well-behaved students or praising them with words. This method promotes a good behavior among students in the class setting as they are motivated to act well to receive awards and compliments. When required, the application of unpleasant consequences can be another method of incorporating behaviorism theory in the classroom setting. This aspect involves the act of issuing punishment to the students when there is a need to daunt an unwanted behavior. However, this negative reinforcement method should be used with moderation to prevent embarrassing students. This technique is useful when the teacher differentiates the instructions provided to the students to meet their learning. This can be done through separating content, for example. The ways of differentiating instructions in class include concept delivery and delivery process. These aspects are crucial for students because of their difference in the level of understanding. This will help the instructor achieve the goal of meeting the need of all learners. Another way is the differentiation of the process because each scholar has their ideal learning style. Therefore, the teacher can meet the needs of all students through the enhancement of support based on individual needs. 

Impacts of Behaviorism Theory

Behaviorism theory has a great influence on the classroom management and the education of students. The former involves the process, whereby teachers and school administration maintain students’ proper behavior in the classroom setting. This act promotes the behavior of students and their operations, which boosts their class performance. Learning behaviorism theory supports the classroom management as it encourages the desired behavior through compliments and rewards issuing and discourages the unwanted deeds through negative consequences and punishments. Moreover, behaviorism theory provides a problem-solving technique for instructors as it outlines the required measures to correct students through reinforcements. These aspects will facilitate class management as students will adhere to the instructions provided since they are aware of the consequences through the learning of the theory, which will prompt them to maintain a required behavior in the class. Conversely, the learning of behaviorism theory promotes the education of students by enhancing their active involvement in the learning process. Teachers can manage students and encourage their engagement in learning by praising them when necessary, which ensures a conducive environment for learning as the teacher is well respected and the students are aware of their expectations. Another way to manage students in the class is to issue prizes for better performances, as outlined by behaviorism theory. This act motivates learners to maximize their efforts and focus on their better performance to receive awards. Behaviorism theory also helps create an effective environment for learning through availing a variety of models for learning. This aspect ensures an efficient delivery of content to students because each student has a different degree of mastering concepts, which helps promote their learning.

My Perspective About the Theory

I identify with this theory of learning because it focuses on the external behavior of individuals using reinforcements and repetition, which shapes the behaviors of learners. Therefore, this makes it easier to manipulate the behavior of students for the better. The theory believes that peoples’ responses to the environment shape their actions. This aspect helps create a conducive environment that supports learning by controlling the classroom setting atmosphere through the management of the class. For me as a learner, this theory is important as it outlines the guidelines and what is expected for active learning. At the same time, it offers motivation for students to perform better and maintain a good behavior. Behaviorism theory states that individuals’ good behavior is affected by positive reinforcements that are achieved through rewards and compliments. This aspect encourages learners to work towards a better performance to earn these awards and compliments. Moreover, the theory outlines that punishments help avoid the repetition of an undesirable behavior; thus, learners adhere to the instructions provided to prevent the negative consequences of their actions. This approach is also relevant to learners as it provides different forms of content delivery, which helps students understand various concepts in the class. For me as a professional, the theory is efficient as it provides directions in the classroom management. Moreover, using the knowledge of this theory, I will be able to manage and control the class environment that is efficient for the learning process. I will also implement positive reinforcement, where the better-performing students receive awards. This aspect will promote the engagement of students in learning and boost their focus toward achieving best results. The use of various methods to deliver concepts will ensure that all students understand and master the content. 

The learning theory is the principle that describes how individuals acquire and utilize knowledge through various ways. The ideas are based on the methods, by which people learn, and they exist in different types. An example of these categories includes behaviorism theory that focuses on the observable and measurable behavior of people through their responses to stimuli. Behaviorist theory assumes that peoples’ behavior is their responses to stimuli. The incorporation of this theory in the class activities ensures an efficient learning of students. This efficiency is achieved because, according to behaviorist theory, the shaping of students’ behavior is possible through positive reinforcements that are, in turn, gained through issuing rewards to students. This approach helps the school administration and teachers in the management of the class environment, thus leading to a better performance among students. This also has some impact on all participants of the teaching process as it ensures a good behavior of students and promotes the ease of management of the classroom environment.