Group+4

= __Operant Conditioning__ = http://www.abacon.com/slavin/images/t48.gif

** Theorists' contributions **
“The major theorists for the development of operant conditioning are Edward Thorndike, John Watson and B.F. Skinner. Thorndike labeled this type of learning "instrumental". Using consequences, he taught kittens to manipulate a latch. Skinner renamed "instrumental" as "operant" because it is more descriptive” (5). “Operant conditioning was coined by behaviorist B.F. Skinner, which is why you may occasionally hear it referred to as Skinnerian conditioning (6). Every time people think of operant conditioning they think of Skinner. "As a behaviorist, Skinner believed that internal thoughts and motivations could not be used to explain behavior. Instead, he suggested, we should look only at the external, observable causes of human behavior. Skinner used the term //operant// to refer to any "active behavior that operates upon the environment to generate consequences" (1953). In other words, Skinner's theory explained how we acquire the range of learned behaviors we exhibit each and every day” (6).

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Skinner explaining an example of operant conditioning(1).

** Main characteristics **
//4 major techniques of operant conditioning (2).//
 * 1) Positive Reinforcement (Positive stimulus which increases behavior)- an example of this would be students working hard in school to gain a positive reward. This positive reward could be anything from more recess time to candy. Students will work hard on their work so that they will receive this positive stimulus.
 * 2) Positive Punishment (Positive stimulus which decreases behavior)- an example of positive punishment would be to tell students that if they stop complaining about class work they will not have homework over the weekend. Students will decrease their negative behavior in order to receive this positive reward.
 * 3) Negative Reinforcement (negative stimulus which increases behavior)- negative reinforcement could be a teacher threatening to take away recess time if students do not complete their work on time. Students will not want this negative stimulus, so they will try to complete their work on time.
 * 4) Negative Punishment (negative stimulus which decreases behavior)- an example of negative punishment would be when a teacher will continue to ring a bell until students are quiet and focus on their work. Students will become so annoyed with this sound that they will work quietly on their work to avoid this annoyance.

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This is an example of Positive Reinforcement and Negative Reinforcement. media type="youtube" key="4aPLR0D7Jok" height="385" width="480" align="center"

This is an example of Positive Punishment and Negative Punishment

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This video is an example of the use of both Reinforcement and Punishment. //Schedules of Consequences://
 * 1) Fixed Interval- "the first correct response after a set amount of time has passed is reinforced (i.e., a consequence is delivered). The time period required is always the same"(2).

2. Variable Interval- "the first correct response after a set amount of time has passed is reinforced. After the reinforcement, a new time period (shorter or longer) is set with the average equaling a specific number over a sum total of trials" (2)

3. Fixed Ratio- "a reinforcer is given after a specified number of correct responses. This schedule is best for learning a new behavior"(2).

4. Variable Ratio - "a reinforcer is given after a set number of correct responses. After reinforcement the number of correct responses necessary for reinforcement changes. This schedule is best for maintaining behavior." (2)



** Strengths **

 * Students do well with routines.
 * Students will recognize a routine and will be more likely to complete the work you ask them to do.

** Weaknesses **

 * It might take a while for students to respond to the stimuli.
 * All students may not respond to the stimuli in the same way.

** Relation to Direct Instruction or Constructivism **
Operant Conditioning can be considered a form of direct instruction because teachers send signals to students to which the students should respond. For example, by applying negative or positive reinforcement, students should start behaving the way the teacher wishes. During a lesson, students are typically given feedback with positive rewards; whether it is an actual prize or just simply praising. This is an example of operant conditioning.

** Technology Integration **
//What the classroom looks like:// When using operant conditioning in education, a teacher is relying on routines. Students are conditioned to display certain actions (for example, looking at the teacher when she says "one, two, three, eyes on me."). The behavior can be conditioned by giving students reinforcement (incentives for good behavior) or punishment (loss of privileges for bad behavior). Technology is integrated by continuing to condition students. Technology could also be used as an reinforcement for good behavior since students find technology motivating. Positive reinforcement can be used by allowing students to use technology, such as the computer and negative punishment might be used by taking away technology usage.

//What instruction looks like:// The teacher would provide reinforcement to students to enforce correct answering, helping students to learn the material. Punishment might be used when students are off-task in order to get students focused on learning.

//Targeted Grade Level:// This theory would work with any grade levels but would probably be most effective with the younger grade levels. The younger the child, the easier it would be to condition new behaviors.

//Goals for Instruction:// Teachers would use this theory to enforce student learning. Learning would take place with direct instruction.

** References **
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ctJqjlrHA 2. http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/behsys/operant.html 3. http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Direct_instruction 4. http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/nru/opcond.html 5. http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/behsys/operant.html 6. http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/a/introopcond.htm