Learning Log Chapter 9

What?

This chapter was on the much loved by Dr. Cox behaviorist theories. It included terms that should have been termed differently because they are confusing (i.e. negative reinforcement). Basically the chapter discussed the the idea that the study of behavior would produce evidence of learning. It also showed studies and theories on how to change that behavior through conditioning. The two types of conditioning are classical and operant. Classical conditioning is accomplished when two stimuli are presented at the same time thus increasing the desired behavior. Operant conditioning occurs when behavior is increased because of reinforcement.


So what?

Ah...so what? The problem/opportunity (as Doc Waters terms problems) is that we as teachers can inadvertently promote behavior that we do not approve of depending on how, how quickly, and how often we respond to student behavior.



Now what?

Well now I'm going to be over-analytical of everything I do...happy? Well, to a degree anyway. I will learn to recognize the types of stimuli to present so my students respond in a desired way. I will also be cautious of what kind of reinforcement illicits what kind of behavior and recognize that it will be different from student to student.