Psychology for the Classroom: Behaviourism

John Woollard is Lecturer in Information Technology Education in the School of Education at the University of Southampton. He has previously taught in both primary and secondary schools. He now researches teaching and learning with computers.

• Chapter 1. Introduction The language of behaviourism Post-millennium views of behaviourism The people of behaviourism Refuting the critics of behaviourism The nature of behaviourism Behaviourism is… Summary Activities Chapter 2. Research Research with animals Repetition and rote learning Learning from example Behaviour modification under scrutiny Providing models for behaviour Self-participation in behaviour change The impact of reward and praise Summary Activities Chapter 3. Theory Classical conditioning Stimulus, response and consequence Operant conditioning and schedules of reinforcement Observational learning by modelling behaviour Punishment, impact and alternatives Verbal behaviour and dealing with language Summary Activities Chapter 4. Pedagogy The characteristics of a behaviourist pedagogy Behaviour modification through positive reinforcement Creating a curriculum Enhancing the interventions Avoiding the limitations Reducing unwanted behaviours Summary Activities Chapter 5. Strategies Strategies of a behaviourist teacher House points and the lottery draw Basic skills; basic methods Shaping and modelling in ICT teaching SEAL, sanctuary and self-efficacy Teacher training, social engagement Improving the learning environment Computerisation of the curriculum The challenging class Summary Activities References Index