Classical conditioning is a form of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened through reinforcement and punishment. It involves the pairing of an unconditioned stimulus, one that elicits an innate response, with a conditioned stimulus, one that initially does not elicit the same response. The resultant association between the two stimuli will eventually produce the desired outcome when applied in different contexts. This form of conditioning is most likely to be seen in a classroom setting as it serves to reinforce positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.
Educators must often teach students how to behave appropriately while in class and classical conditioning can help them do this by providing positive reinforcement for desirable behavior such as following instructions or offering appropriate verbal responses. As noted by Rehfeldt (2012), “If desired behaviors are followed immediately and consistently with acknowledgements of praise…the learners may more quickly understand what is expected from them and become motivated” (p. 25). Additionally, punishments can also play a role if undesirable behaviors continue despite warnings or encouragement for better performance. For example, if disruptive talking persists after several gentle reminders from the teacher, then consequences such as detention or loss of recess time could be used to punish these actions so they are less likely occur again in the future (Rehfeldt 2012).
Which form of conditioning would you most likely see in a classroom setting
In addition to teaching appropriate conduct within classrooms, classical conditioning can also be used to foster academic progress among students. By repeatedly rewarding certain academic accomplishments such as successful test scores or high grades on assignments with tangible rewards like candy bars or stickers it encourages further success along those lines (Kluger & DeNisi 1996). Furthermore, these rewards need not only take material forms but can also involve verbal affirmation which has been shown to have positive effects on student attitudes (Maehr & Zusho 2007). Thus overall using classical conditioning helps educators create conducive learning environments where their pupils feel appreciated whilst simultaneously developing important skills needed for reaching their educational goals over time.
In conclusion, classical conditioning plays an important role in teaching children proper conduct during class hours while motivating them towards greater academic achievement at the same time; thus making it highly applicable within school settings across all age groups whether elementary level children just beginning their education journey or teenagers taking college entrance exams .