Operant conditioning is a key concept in behaviorism introduced by B.F. Skinner. It is a learning process in which behavior is shaped by rewards (positive reinforcement) or consequences (negative reinforcement or punishment). The idea is that individuals tend to repeat actions that lead to positive outcomes and avoid actions that lead to unpleasant consequences.

For example, in a classroom setting, a teacher might praise or give a reward when a student completes homework on time. This positive reinforcement encourages the student to continue the good behavior. Over time, the student develops a habit of submitting assignments punctually because they associate the behavior with a positive result.

Operant conditioning helps teachers manage classroom behavior, motivate students, and build consistent learning routines. However, it also has limitations — if overused, students might focus only on external rewards rather than developing intrinsic motivation.

References:

Skinner, B.F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: Macmillan.

McLeod, S. (2018). B.F. Skinner: Operant Conditioning. Simply Psychology.