Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a theory that states that behaviour can be shaped through successive approximation and reinforcement of responses more nearly approaching desired behaviour. It is a type of learning in which behaviour is strengthened if followed by reinforcement and weakened if followed by punishment.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is the process of increasing the likelihood that a behaviour will occur again in the future by providing a consequence immediately after the behaviour. There are two types of reinforcement:

- Positive reinforcement: This is when a behaviour is followed by the addition of a pleasant stimulus, increasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated. For example, a student who receives praise from the teacher for answering a question correctly is more likely to answer questions in the future.

- Negative reinforcement: This is when a behaviour is followed by the removal of an unpleasant stimulus, increasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated. For example, a student who completes their homework to avoid being scolded by their parents is more likely to complete their homework in the future.

Punishment

Punishment is the process of decreasing the likelihood that a behaviour will occur again in the future by providing a consequence immediately after the behaviour. There are two types of punishment:

- Positive punishment: This is when a behaviour is followed by the addition of an unpleasant stimulus, decreasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated. For example, a student who is scolded by the teacher for talking in class is less likely to talk in the future.

- Negative punishment: This is when a behaviour is followed by the removal of a pleasant stimulus, decreasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated. For example, a student who is sent to the principal's office for misbehaving is less likely to misbehave in the future.

Successive Approximation

Successive approximation is the process of reinforcing behaviours that are increasingly similar to the desired behaviour. For example, a teacher may reinforce a student for raising their hand before speaking, then for waiting to be called on, and finally for speaking clearly and concisely.

Conclusion

Operant conditioning is a powerful tool for shaping behaviour in the classroom. By using reinforcement and punishment, teachers can encourage positive behaviours and discourage negative behaviours. Successive approximation allows teachers to gradually shape behaviour, making it more likely that students will succeed in the classroom.