Behaviorism
Behaviorism: A complete overview
Behaviorism: Learning scenario
Black box language acquisition (language app)
Learning scenario: acquiring new vocabulary using a language app featuring flashcards and multiple-choice activities. The learner is introduced to new vocabulary on a given topic in the form of an audio clip of the lexical item (word/phrase), the item in writing, and a picture which represents the word. The learner is then required to practice correctly matching the newly introduced item in sound or writing to pictures which represent the word, from a choice of pictures, from memory.
The matching practice requires repetition, memorization, and reward (external motivators) for desired responses (behaviours), which are typical features of behaviourism. The stimulus in the learning scenario is pleasurable reward for correct matches and for collecting a certain number of points or correctly matching a series of items in succession. The response in the learning scenario is evident in that the learner can be seen to seek to repeat the action to receive the pleasurable reward again and again.
The types of positive reinforcement in the learning scenario include cheerful sounds/beeps and bright colours which appear on the screen as reward for matching words to pictures correctly, and exciting icons which flood the screen, for example for correctly matching a series of items in a row (a streak). The types of negative reinforcement in the learning scenario include negative sounds/jarring noises and there is a stark contrast between getting the match right and wrong. The incorrectly matched word may buzz and flash red, for example.
Two pros of developing instruction grounded in behaviourism:
- The learner may experience satisfaction in this activity. This is important as it will help motivate the learner, which is important for second language acquisition.
- The teaching of structure material such as foreign language vocabulary lends itself to behaviourist methods which have been proven to be successful in the teaching of structured material.
Two cons of developing instruction grounded in behaviourism:
- The mind is treated as a black box and its inner workings are unknown. In the given learning scenario, the learner may choose an answer at random to achieve the positive reinforcement, without cognitive engagement.
- The learner is not an active participant in their own learning processes and is not developing vital learning strategies which are techniques taken by the student to improve their own learning
