Learning Theories Worksheet

Part I: Behavioral Conditioning

Imagine that you are a camp counselor or substitute teacher responsible for teaching a group of first-grade children. Respond to the following prompts in complete sentences in approximately 265–440 words.

1. Explain how classical conditioning works differently than operant conditioning. Include an example of classical conditioning that happens at home that could influence a student’s behavior at camp or in the classroom.

Classical conditioning happens in a situation where there is an association between involuntary response and a particular stimulus. On the contrary, operant conditioning occurs whenever a voluntary behavior is associated with a specific consequence. In a first grade setting, teachers can apply operant conditioning by giving or awarding presents and complimentary gifts to students who exhibit good behavior. For instance, a student who is always coming to class on time might be rewarded by being given a snack or being complimented in front of the class. In such a situation, the substitute teacher uses positive reinforcement to encourage the students to repeat a particular behavior.

Again, an example of classical conditioning while teaching a group of first-grade children would be to create a positive environment in the class to help shy students overcome fear. Students can be encouraged to participate in class activities and discussions by being encouraged to participate in group activities and being rewarded whenever they complete an indoor or outdoor allocated training. Classical conditioning in a classroom situation can impact students positively or negatively, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if a student is bullied at the camp or classroom, he/she might end up associating the school with fear and anxiety and dislike academic programs throughout the entire academic life.

 

 

2. The “Classical and Operant Conditioning” video from the University Library describes several types of behavioral reinforcement. Each type of reinforcement has a different level of effectiveness. Describe how effective each type of reinforcement would be in this scenario:

When the children receive your signal, they will need to be prepared to stop what they’re doing, then listen for directions before moving to the next task.

1. Continuous: This is also an effective reinforcement schedule since it leads to long-term behavior patterns resistant to extinction.
2. Fixed ratio: Applicable in the above scenario since it is given after a student has accomplished a specific activity. For instance, if a student completes twelve press-ups in an allocated outdoor activity.
3. Variable ratio: Variable-ratio can be applicable in the classroom and camping situation in rewarding students who have accomplished certain activities.
4. The fixed interval is the most effective in the scenario above since it occurs after a specified time duration.
5. Variable interval: applied when a response occurs after an unpredictable period. It is not useful in a camp or classroom situation.
6. Extinction: Extinction is meant for discouraging undesirable behavior. It will not be instrumental in a classroom or camp situation since it is a long term endeavor.
7. How would you apply positive and negative reinforcement in the classroom to prepare them for the scenario above?

It is quite evident that both negative and positive reinforcement is applicable in the scenario above. For instance, negative support will be necessary to decrease the likelihood of undesired behavior. For example, the teacher can use a loud alarm to alert the students when completing a particular task is over. Audible alarm acts as a negative reinforcement to students who will not have finished the job and as a positive reinforcer for those who completed their task in time.

4. Explain the type of reinforcement that would be the most effective to sustain the desired behavior in the scenario from question #2.

For a classroom or camp scenario, the most effective reinforcement will be the fixed interval since it will be given after a certain period, and the students will get used to it.

 

Part II: Social-Cognitive Learning

Respond to the following prompts in complete sentences in approximately 175–260 words.

1. Summarize the assumptions about human learning and agency that form the basis of social-cognitive theory.

The social cognitive theory  several assumptions. For instance, there is the assumption that individuals can learn by observing others. For example, in a classroom situation, a student can learn dancing styles by watching her classmates. There is also the assumption that individuals usually set goals for themselves, and most of their efforts achieve set goals.

2. Explain how you can apply social-cognitive learning theory to your behavior to become more proactive in improving your self-efficacy and self-regulation skills as you pursue your college education and career path.

As a college student, I can apply my social cognitive skills by ensuring I emulate successful individuals’ behaviors in my career path. For instance, since the social cognitive theory is based on the basic assumption that people modify the behavior by observing others, I will learn from the best teachers and students in the field. Again, I will also take my internship in organizations that are more resourceful to advance my career. I will avoid bad company and only pair with classmates who can influence my academic life positively. For instance, I have realized that most academic achievers tend to spend most of their time in the library. I will also imitate them to achieve my academic and career set goals.