Throughout the last few weeks, I have learned an enormous amount of information on the theory of Behaviorism.  Prior to my studies on this theory, I did not realize what Behaviorism was or how big of a role it has within our society.  Through experience, learning occurs by acquiring a new behavior based on our environmental conditions.  In essence, learning is behavioral change. These conditions and its focus on observable behaviors is important to learning.  The founders of classical conditioning, Ian Pavlov and Operant Conditioning, B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike, were true pioneers of their time.  Their significant contributions to the Behaviorism learning theory through extensive research and focused studies are still significant today.  The theories, principles, and application of Behaviorism can be found across the entire landscape of the world.

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     This learning theory drew my attention from the beginning.  As I researched more in depth, it was apparent how influential this learning theory is in our education system.  Although this learning theory does not focus on the cognitive aspects of learning, the token systems and reinforcement/punishment techniques are evident throughout our schools.  Whether it is positive reinforcement with the student who gets a smiley sticker for an excellent test grade; positive punishment in which a student serves in afterschool detention for cheating on an exam; negative reinforcement from the teacher who ignores the student for not raising their hand; or negative punishment where the teacher separates friends to opposite sides of the classroom for talking, it is used in almost every classroom in society.

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     Many people would assume that this theory is outdated and lived beyond its time.  I would disagree with that idea.  The Behaviorism learning theory helps to create and validate the environment in which learning takes place.  I think most people would agree that the environment in which people learn is equally important to the learning itself.  Without an environment conducive to maximizing the learning goals and objectives, how is learning possible? Whether you are using punishments in an attempt to weaken or stop the desired behavior or reinforcements to strengthen or increase the desired behavior, the importance of Behaviorism cannot be understated.  

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      The ability to see observable behavioral change helps to provide validity to the stimulus being supplied for the desired response.  The cognitive assessment process for learning can be difficult, but with Behaviorism there is tangible desired behavior change.  The Behaviorism learning theory is complex and has many variables associated with it.  These variables can either leverage this learning theory to achieve the desired behavior, or if not taken into consideration can provide negative consequences and responses to the desired behavior change.  I have realized that words matter when talking about the Behaviorism learning theory. Understanding the complex vocabulary, definitions, and proper application process of the variables associated with the Behaviorism learn theory, is critical to ensuring you maximize the desired behavior change. 

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     It will take me many more months of studying this to appreciate the benefits that Behaviorism can provide.  In addition, my increased study of this learning theory will help me in further understanding the complex application process needed to see the desired behavioral change.  This learning theory is very appealing as it applies to the foundational thought that all organisms learn the same.  This is my first study of three different learning studies.  I am hoping through my continued studies of not just this learning theory but the study of the cognitive and social domains, I will be able to see learning through more than just the Behaviorism lense.  For now, I feel this theory has huge benefit to learning and shaping society for the desired behavior change.  I think that Behaviorism is important in providing a reflection and tangible way to ensure we are continuously making change to better exist on this planet.