While I can’t say that I agree with all aspects of the Behavourist approach to learning, there are definitely parts of it that, I feel, make sense and are relevant and applicable today. I’m not sure if not being able to “stick” to one theory is indicative of the fact that I believe I learn in many different ways for a variety of reasons. In terms of the behaviourist approach, it makes sense that learning is demonstrated by the response or the behaviour of the learner. What I don’t agree with is that learning is based only on cause and effect and stimulus and response. While this is obviously appicable to a certain degree i.e. positive and negative reinforcement, particularly in children, I don’t believe it can account for the way everyone learns. While generalising stimuli and responding according to this is a major aspect of the behaviourist theory, I got a bit stumped when I pondered the effect that generalising might have on e-learning. The only way I can think of that this can apply to is in terms of technology. As the techonology used in e-learning is not something that everyone is comfortable with or accustomed too, an initial reaction of fear or maybe frustration. Bad experiences in the past perhaps with technology could also cause this. I imagine this is really only the cause with older people. While the concept of generalisation suggest the importance of practice in varied situations, understanding that learning can occur in a variety of situations and contexts might assist in dealing with this. Another principle I agree with and understand is how behaviour can be shaped by the reinforcement of responses when learning a new skill/s. It is essential that feedback is given when learning a new skill, and it is from this feedback that we shape the way we practice this skill in the future. Redinforcement that we are doing things the right way or for positive effect will assist this skill to be replicated correctly in the future.
Leave a Reply |
Entries (RSS)