Download Theorists Ivan Pavlov John B. Watson Edward L.Thorndike

Theorists
Ivan Pavlov
John B. Watson
Edward L.Thorndike
Similarities
*Conditioned
*Conditioning
*Acts to stimuli
*Environment
*Learned Behaviors
Differences
*Pavlov described all learning in terms of classical conditioning
*Watson made the assumption that behaviors are led into
because of other events that took place.
*Watson wanted to explore and explain relationships of
behaviors.
*Thorndike put an emphasis on the concept of reinforcement.
*Thorndike says that if an individual isn’t first satisfied, they
will look for something more satisfying.
It has been a few years since I have studied and read about educational theories and
the theorist. I found it interesting to read over these theories and how I look at them
differently now that I am teaching in the classroom and not just attend a college
class. What I looked upon as confusing in the past is clearer at this time of my
career. I need to continue to reflect on the theories to improve my practice as an
educator.
I found it interesting that the theorist seemed to connect with the fact that the
environment plays a role in the theory. The environment has to be set up favorably
for the student to react favorably. If the environment is unsatisfactory the student
will react accordingly. I have tried to create a very comfortable and warm
environment in my classroom. I have discovered that when I have on the overhead
lights the students get more rowdy and restless. The last two weeks I have only
used soft lamp lighting during the day and the behaviors have consistently been
better for the majority of my students.
The theorist also seemed to have a common connection that stimuli created a
response. One theorist talked about a dog salivating from knowing he was going to
eat. When the subject has stimuli that are favorable to a desire or need, a behavior
will take place when the stimulus is presented. In my classroom, I place rocks into
coups when groups of tables follow all directions. The reward for filling up your
cup first is either a pizza or ice-cream party. Good behaviors quickly come into
play when I remind the students of the pizza or ice-cream.
Each theorist varied in their own way. Thorndike believed that if a student or
subject isn’t first satisfied, they will look for something else to satisfy them.
Watson focused more on the thought that behaviors will take place because of an
event that happened prior. Pavlov felt that all behaviors will change once the
behaviors are conditioned to the new way of behaving. After teaching last year and
having a new group of students this year; it’s safe to say that what worked for my
classroom last year does not work for my classroom this year.
I believe that all theorists are right in that each child or group of students might fit
into their theory at one point or another. I can agree that if a child has a hard
morning at home they usually have a hard day at school. However, when I talk to a
child and tell them that they get a start-over along with a big hug, they seem to not
let what was a bad morning turn into a bad day.
References
Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2012, September). Classical Conditioning (Pavlov) at LearningTheories.com. Retrieved September 25th, 2012 from http://www.learning-theories.com/classicalconditioning-pavlov.html
Gustafson, C.R., Garcia, J., Hawkins, W., & Rusiniak, K. (1974). Coyote predation control by aversive conditioning.
Science, 184, 581-583.
Gustafson, C.R., Kelly, D.J, Sweeney, M., & Garcia, J. (1976). Prey-lithium aversions: I. Coyotes and wolves.
Behavioral Biology, 17, 61-72.
Hock, R.R. (2002). Forty studies that changed psychology: Explorations into the history of psychological research.
(4th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education.
Pavlov, I.P. (1927). Conditioned reflexes. London: Oxford University Press.
Asiado, Tel. "Great Thinkers." John B. Watson Biography. suite 101, 03,08, 2009. Web. 22 Sep
2012.
Reinemeyer, Erika. "Edward Lee Thorndike." Psychology History. History of Psychology,
15,05,1999. Web. 22 Sep 2012