Psychology conditioning is a powerful tool to help students understand the way behavior is learned, shaped and modified. When teaching psychology, it can be useful to teach students about classical and operant conditioning, as well as the psychological principles that inform them. Here are some tips on teaching students about psychology conditioning.
Classical conditioning is the type of learning in which a neutral stimulus is associated with an unconditioned stimulus, which elicits a natural response. For example, in Pavlov’s experiment, the sound of a bell ringing was paired with the presentation of food. Eventually, the sound of the bell alone was enough to elicit salivation in dogs. This phenomenon can be illustrated in the classroom with a simple demonstration. You can begin by ringing a bell or making a specific sound, and then pair it with a reward, such as a small candy or sticker. Eventually, the sound or other stimulus alone will be enough to elicit excitement or anticipation in your students, even without a tangible reward.
Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment. This concept can be introduced with a simple experiment. For example, students can be instructed to complete a task, such as writing their names on a piece of paper. Correct responses can be reinforced with a reward (such as a candy or praise), while incorrect responses can be punished with a consequence (such as taking away a privilege or bonus points). This helps students understand how reinforcement and punishment can influence behavior, and how it’s possible to train or modify the behavior of animals or humans with these techniques.
To further their understanding of the topic, students can be encouraged to do research on the principles of classical and operant conditioning. They can also be asked to present and discuss their findings in small groups or individually. Doing so will help them understand the concepts better, and also incorporate a collaborative learning approach as opposed to simply reading textbooks.
Another useful approach is to show how reinforcement schedules and shaping can be used to modify behavior. Reinforcement schedules refer to the timing and frequency of rewards or punishments in response to certain actions. Shaping involves rewarding incremental steps toward a desired behavior, gradually working up to the final behavior. This can be illustrated in a practical manner by practicing with a difficult task, such as shooting a basketball or hitting a baseball, and gradually breaking down the task into smaller, more attainable steps.
