Behavioral Views of Learning

Learning is not as simple as some may think and it's definition is not always agreed upon.  However, most would agree that learning occurs when experience causes a change in a person's knowledge or behavior.  People learn in different ways.  Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, discovered classic conditioning.  Classic conditioning focuses on the learning of involuntary emotional or physiological responses such as fear, increased muscle tension, salivation, or sweating.  Although B.F. Skinner, an American psychologist,  had another concept, operant conditioning.  Operant conditioning is learning to behave in certain ways strengthened or weakened by consequences or antecedents.  

The short video below will describe the difference between classic and operant conditioning and how they work.

In an article written by Kendra Cherry (2017), https://www.verywell.com/classical-vs-operant-conditioning-2794861,  she explains the differences between classic and operant conditioning.  The article discusses how to tell the difference between the two as well.  She states, "One of the simplest ways to remember the differences between classical and operant conditioning is to focus on whether the behavior is involuntary or voluntary (Cherry)".  Classic conditioning is involuntary, whereas operant conditioning is voluntary.  Operant conditioning offers rewards, however classic conditioning does not.  

As a parent I feel it is important to understand the different learning theories and types of reinforcement.  What works well for one child, may not work as well for another.  Learning is different for everyone.  I do not feel that either theory is better than the other, but that both theories are beneficial depending on the situation.  When I begin teaching I will most likely use operant conditioning in my classroom to help my students learn.