PSY - Unit I Reflection

 

As a student, I have experienced different teaching styles in classroom settings and I have gained an understanding of how different educational theories influence our learning experiences. One important theory that we learned in our previous class was the behavioral theory which focuses on how our behaviors can be shaped by rewards and consequences. This theory is based on ideas from classical conditioning introduced by Ivan Pavior and operant conditioning developed by B. F Skinner. We have learned that this approach has both positive and negative aspects in learning.

In the classroom, teachers track students’ progress and change the atmosphere by providing positive reinforcement. for example, when my teacher implemented a reward system for completing assignments on time, it really made a difference in upcoming assignments. We could earn points for good behavior and participation and also felt rewarding and encouraged. I noticed that many of my classmates who have been less motivated before, started putting in more effort. as well. It was to see something unexpected little recognition could change our attitudes towards learning.

However, I also noticed that relying too heavily on rewards sometimes had its disadvantages. There were moments when I felt that I am focusing more on earning points than on actually understanding the lessons. For example, in a group discussion or a project, we were so focused on getting a high score that we sometimes overlooked the importance of collaboration and creativity. This made me realize that while rewards can boost motivation, they shouldn’t be the only reason we engage with our studies.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember a group project in high school where we were graded on whether we finished it, not on how well we worked together or how creative we were. So as a future teacher, this made me realize how important it is to motivate students and appreciate their hard work. When a classroom values each person's input and encourages trying new things, it can help students understand the material better and develop their love for learning.

In conclusion, while behavioral theory has helped me and my classmates become more engaged through reinforcement techniques, it’s crucial for teachers to balance these strategies with approaches that foster intrinsic motivation. As a student, I believe that learning should be about exploration and understanding rather than just meeting expectations for rewards. Moving forward, I hope to see classrooms that nurture our curiosity and passion for knowledge, helping us become active participants in our education rather than just striving for points or grades. This way, we can develop a lifelong love for learning that goes beyond the classroom.