Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates

Understanding Behaviorism: The Teacher’s Role, Free Will, and the Limits of Intelligence Testing

B.F. Skinner believed that free will is mostly an illusion, suggesting that people’s actions are shaped by their environment and experiences rather than personal choice. In the behaviorist view, the teacher plays a key role as the one who manages the learning environment—using reinforcement, feedback, and repetition to encourage desired behaviors and guide students toward specific goals. Behaviorism emphasizes nurture over nature, focusing on how learning is influenced by external factors rather than inherited traits. Intelligence tests, on the other hand, can be useful tools for understanding students’ strengths and needs, helping teachers provide appropriate support. However, they also carry risks, such as labeling students or reinforcing biases if not used carefully. Therefore, teachers should interpret test results thoughtfully and remember that intelligence is multifaceted and not limited to test scores.