In this post, we eelve into the world of Behaviorism Learning Theory, a framework that revolves around the study of observable and measurable behaviors. It explores how external factors influence our conduct and why certain actions become automatic over time.
Table of Contents
What is the Behaviorism Learning Theory?
This learning theory focuses on an individual’s observable and measurable behaviors that are repeated until they become automatic. It also deals with how an individual’s external environment shapes his or her behavior.
Read the extended german version: Behaviorismus im Instructional Design
History of Behaviorism
Our journey begins with the groundbreaking experiments of Pavlov, paving the way for luminaries like Skinner and Watson to further develop this theory. These pioneers laid the foundation for understanding human behavior through a scientific lens, shedding light on the remarkable ways we respond to stimuli and adapt to our environment.
What assumptions do behaviorists make?
Behaviourists regard all behaviour as a response to a stimulus. They assume that what we do is determined by the environment we are in, which provides stimuli to which we respond, and the environments we have been in in the past, which caused us to learn to respond to stimuli in particular ways.
Since the theory is only interested in quantitatively observing responses to stimuli, it totally ignores the possibility of thought processes inside a learner’s mind. It’s only concerned with “what” learners need to know—which explains the behaviorist’s use of methods such as identification, rote memorization and association.
In skill building, the same behaviorist approach is applied by observing (what) a particular skill and practicing it. The student’s task is to remember the skill and respond, while the instructor offers feedback (indicate whether the response is correct and incorrect) and provide for practice.
When should you use Behaviorism?
- Creating measurable and observable learning outcomes among students
- Using tangible rewards and informative feedback to improve student learning performance
- Guiding students in mastering a set of predictable behaviors or skills
Week 2 Activity
In the activity I created a learning scenario for the discussion this week. It presents a practical scenario applying the behaviorist learning theory.
Environment
A Customer Support for a variety of highly complex applications. The outlines of this article have been posted in the edx forums: https://courses.edx.org/courses/course-v1:USMx+LDT100x+2T2020/discussion/forum/47fe2e8fa039563e7bb32d2c6f05f8a57da4b2b8/threads/5ebf9877eac4b40829a13d29
Learning Scenario
The customer support agents have to be trained quickly to answer the questions of users, although the applications are too complex to fully understand in short time.
This is a typical scenario for a behaviorist approach in learning. The customer support agents need to solve the questions of the users (observable action). In regards of customer satisfaction it is irrelevant if they really understand the tools they are supporting. What matters is the outcome, not their knowledge (observable behaviour). A model case for the Behaviorism Learning Theory.
Positive and negative reinforcement
In this scenario, the customer service agents have KPIs to fulfill. If they do a good job, they will be rewarded with higher salary and and achieve a higher tiering, opening more opportunities in the future. Negative reinforcement: when not achieving their KPI goals, they will receive negative feedback from the managers and risk getting fired.
Learning Environment
Given the above scenario, the learning solution has to focus on the observable actions (answering correctly to customer questions) and not on accumulating knowledge about the tools.
The stimulus and response in the training match the positive and negative reinforcement described above.
You will train the agents on the actions they have to take rather than gaining knowledge, with the same promises as in the workplace. After completion of the training, they will be able to achieve better KPIs, with promises regarding their future job.
Therefore the typical approach is to train them how to work with typical customer questions by using established processes and knowledge bases.
Question X leads to step 1, 2, 3.
Pros and Cons
- + Agents can be trained quickly
- + Agents will be able to fulfill their KPIs quicker than with another method
- + Agents do not need to have a vast prior knowledge, since they just need to follow processes. The skills and personal characteristics are not important and do not need to be considered (which is an advantage for the employer…)
- – Agents can only solve typical questions, but might get stuck with more complex questions since they lack fundamental knowledge
- – Agents are trained to not be proactive
Conclusion: Embracing Behaviorism in measurable Training Design
As we conclude our exploration of the Behaviorism Learning Theory, we’ve journeyed through the history, assumptions, and practical applications of this fascinating framework. We’ve learned that Behaviorism is not just a theory; it’s a practical approach to shaping behaviors, making it a valuable tool in various educational and professional contexts.
Our understanding of how external factors influence our actions has deepened, and we’ve grasped the significance of observable behaviors. Behaviorism is not about probing thoughts hidden within the mind but about creating tangible, measurable results.
The practical application of Behaviorism in scenarios like customer support has revealed its effectiveness in driving actions and achieving desired outcomes. Positive and negative reinforcement play pivotal roles in shaping behaviors, and when applied correctly, they can lead to remarkable results.
While the application of the Behaviorism Learning Theory has its pros and cons, it remains a valuable tool in instructional design and training. It can swiftly equip learners with the skills they need, making it an attractive choice for specific learning objectives.
Our journey doesn’t end here; it merely scratches the surface of the vast world of learning theories and instructional design. Behaviorism is just one piece of the puzzle, and there are many other theories and methodologies to explore, each offering unique insights and strategies.
Comparing Learning Theories – A Comprehensive Guide helps you to locate Behaviorism in the field of Learning Theories.
As you continue your learning and instructional design journey, remember that the right approach depends on your specific goals and the context in which you operate. So, whether you’re a seasoned educator, a budding instructional designer, or a curious learner, keep seeking the best-fit strategies that will drive success in your endeavors.
Thank you for joining us in unraveling the intricacies of Behaviorism Learning Theory. Stay curious, keep exploring, and never stop learning!
What’s your take on Behaviorism, and how do you envision using it in your professional or educational path? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Useful Ressources: Behaviorism Learning Theory
- Implications Of Learning Theories On Instructional Design – eLearning Industry
- Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism – Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology (pressbooks.pub)
- A Quick, No-Nonsense Guide to Basic Instructional Design Theory (shiftelearning.com)
- AS_AQB_approaches_BehaviourismBasics (psychlotron.org.uk)
