Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates
Assignment #1
Skinner's theories claim that ignoring or punishing uncontrollable desires can eliminate them, while awards and positive reinforcement are used to promote learning. His theory of changing habits through little rewards has also been used to improve teaching and student motivation. Understanding how to effectively shape and assist learning and growth has been based on Skinner's beliefs. The remarks made by Skinner about free will are provocative and thought-provoking. He challenged the conventional understanding of free will by arguing that since behavior is influenced by the environment, the person has no power or influence over it. This has sparked a significant deal of debate and discussion among philosophers as they balance the advantages and disadvantages of Skinner's theory and try to make it compatible with conventional ideas of free will. In the end, it is up to each person to form their own opinion on Skinner's remarks and determine if they concur with them. In the behaviorist approach, the teacher's job is to create a structured atmosphere in which pupils can learn and grow into responsible citizens. By setting clear expectations for pupils and rewarding success, the teacher can foster an environment that promotes favorable learning outcomes. Additionally, the instructor must be aware of each student's unique requirements and be prepared to offer assistance, direction, and encouragement when necessary. In the end, it is the teacher's responsibility to create a setting that supports learning and growth. It is easy and straightforward to utilize operant conditioning to education. The setup of reinforcement conditions for learning is known as teaching. They learn in their natural habitats without instruction, but teachers set up specific circumstances that speed up learning by ensuring the outward manifestation of behavior that could otherwise never happen or hastening the appearance of conduct that would otherwise be slowly acquired.
@Firdes Ismail, I agree that Skinner's ideas are thought provoking. In some ways Skinner's stance on free will is similar to Buddhist philosophies. However, Buddhism includes disciplines (self-conditioning ) that allow you to affect your environment and end the continuous cycle of suffering. These practices and disciplines are seen as mysterious to the West and immeasurable. I see Skinner's ideas about free will as reductive and inhumane, and I wonder how he would have viewed Buddhist philosophy.