Make an update: Take one key concept of behaviorism, define it and provide an example of this concept in practice.

One of the key concepts of behaviourism is ‘operant conditioning’. B. F. Skinner, creator of behaviourist theory of learning believed conditioning is the way of formal learning. In this method a teacher can modify students' behaviour by implementing a system of reward and punishment. This leading American psychologist believed that rewarded behaviour is most likely to be repeated, and punished behaviour tends to happen less. He proves his theory after extensive experiments on pigeons and rats. Studies show that animals learnt to respond correctly to a command. Each time they behaved correctly, they were rewarded with food.

This concept is used nowadays in the educational system.

By implementing a reward system in the schooling system teachers want the students to repeat desirable behaviours, and consequently help them achieve their educational goals. This can also enhance students’ self confidence, and motivation, as well as nurture a positive atmosphere in the classroom. Verbal praise, rewarding with physical prizes, trophies, stickers, tolkens etc.

Punishment is supposed to minimise negative behaviour. The most common examples would be time out, loss of privileges and being reprimanded. However, there could be many negative consequences if not applied correctly and potentially impact students confidence, motivation and self esteem.

https://archive.org/details/Beyond_Freedom_and_Dignity/page/n33/mode/2up?view=theater

https://www.nu.edu/blog/behaviorism-in-education/