Lyndsey Bernard

Tree image AI-generated with assistance from ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2025. Banner design created in Canva

Bernard. L. (2025) Behaviorism Overview, Created on Canvas

References

Textual Sources:

Open Education at Brigham Young University. (n.d.). Behaviorism. Open BYU Education Research. https://open.byu.edu/education_research/behaviorismt
Sprouts. (2020a, May 30). Pavlov’s classical conditioning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd7Jdug5SRc
Sprouts. (2020b, June 30). Skinner’s operant conditioning: Rewards & punishments [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6o-uPJarA
Stangor, C., & Walinga, J. (2014). Introduction to psychology – 1st Canadian edition. BCcampus. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/
Sugai, G., & Horner, R. H. (2002). The evolution of discipline practices: Integrating school-wide positive behavior supports. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 24(1–2), 23–50.

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create two infographics. Custom images were generated using Canva’s AI image generator with prompts such as:
"Create a symbol to represent [behaviorist] theory using the animal referenced in the original research."
(e.g., a dog for Pavlov's classical conditioning; a rat or pigeon for Skinner’s operant conditioning.)
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations.

LTDC Behaviorism's Connection to Teaching and Learning.docx

Behaviorism's Connections to Teaching and Learning

This essay examines the connections between behaviorism and effective teaching and classroom management practices.

I have also included links to resources, strategies, and programs that illustrate or support the practical application of behaviorism in classroom settings.

Bernard. L. (2025) Behaviorism's Strengths and Limitations, Created on Canvas

References

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create this infographic
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, and clarity in writing

Implications of Behavriorism For Instructional Design

Applying Classical Conditioning

to Instructional Design

When designing instructional products, we can use classical conditioning principles to build positive learning associations and minimize negative ones.

Here are a few tips:

Use Good Visuals: Make sure the learning materials look appealing and create a positive feeling.
Create a Comfortable Space: Design learning environments, whether online or in person, that are clean, comfortable, and easy to navigate.
Add Gamification: Include game-like elements to make learning enjoyable and rewarding.
Gradually Increase Difficulty: Start with simpler content and gradually introduce more challenging material to build confidence.
Give Helpful Feedback: Provide specific, positive, and actionable feedback to reinforce good learning habits.
Avoid Harsh Criticism: Don't use harsh or critical language that can create negative associations.
Provide Multiple Opportunities for Success: Offer different ways for students to show what they've learned and experience success.
Accommodate Diverse Learners: Provide tools like read-aloud options, graphic organizers, extra time, and breaks to support individual needs.
Use Consistent Cues: Use the same sounds or visuals to signal transitions or important information, so students know what to expect.
Design Engaging Activities: Develop interactive and relevant activities to make learning active and enjoyable.

Applying Operant Conditioning

to Instructional Design

When designing instructional products, we can use operant conditioning principles to shape desired learning behaviors and maximize learner engagement.

Here are a few tips:

Set Clear Objectives/I CAN Statements: Define what learners need to achieve.
Incorporate Checks for Understanding: Regularly assess learner comprehension.
Provide Frequent and Immediate Feedback: Offer timely feedback on performance.
Use Scaffolding: Break down complex skills into progressive steps.
Offer Learner Choice: Give learners options within the learning process.
Model Correct Behaviors: Demonstrate what the desired actions look like and sound like.
Reinforce Desired Behaviors: Use rewards to encourage correct actions.
- Vary Reinforcement: Don't rely on the same reward every time.
- Personalize Reinforcement: Tailor rewards to individual learners.
- Emphasize Positive Reinforcement: Focus more on rewards than punishment.

References

Textual Sources:

Bates, T. (2022). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning (3rd ed.). Tony Bates Associates Ltd. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev3m/
ClassDojo. (n.d.). How to use ClassDojo with PBIS. https://www.classdojo.com/pbis/
Danielson, C. (2013). The framework for teaching evaluation instrument. Danielson Group.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Open Education at Brigham Young University. (n.d.). Behaviorism. Open BYU Education Research. https://open.byu.edu/education_research/behaviorismt
Sprouts. (2020a, May 30). Pavlov’s classical conditioning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd7Jdug5SRc
Sprouts. (2020b, June 30). Skinner’s operant conditioning: Rewards & punishments [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6o-uPJarA
Stangor, C., & Walinga, J. (2014). Introduction to psychology – 1st Canadian edition. BCcampus. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/
Sugai, G., & Horner, R. H. (2002). The evolution of discipline practices: Integrating school-wide positive behavior supports. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 24(1–2), 23–50.
Maryland State Department of Education. (n.d.). Maryland assessment, accessibility, and accommodations manual. Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Manual

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create two infographics. Custom images were generated using Canva’s AI image generator with prompts such as:
"Create a symbol to represent [behaviorist] theory using the animal referenced in the original research."
(e.g., a dog for Pavlov's classical conditioning; a rat or pigeon for Skinner’s operant conditioning.)
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations.

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