I have never heard behaviorism explained in this way and I really liked the way he explained because it makes sense. He compares behavioral psychologist to dog trainers. Over the years I have trained several dogs and helped people trained dogs but I would never have looked at myself in that way. I completely agree with him when he says children are different than animals. However, just as a dog trainer tries to get certain behaviors out of dogs (no matter what type of dog), the behavioral psychologist tries to get certain behaviors out of children (no matter race, sex, etc). Food for thought.
I will agree that any trainer, educator, instructor, or otherwise teacher will attempt to enforce and reinforce the behavior they are wishing to receive. However, are the methods really that different? A training log (self guided mind you) lets you record what you've eaten and how far you have gotten towards your goal, and if you achieve that goal you can reward yourself. Same goes with animals. I saw a dolphin once reward itself by doing flips for matching a pair of cards correctly. How many similarities actually do exist between the way we train students and train animals? The same base principles apply, do they not?
ReplyDeleteJessamyn
However, are the methods really that different?
ReplyDeleteNo I don't think they are because you use either positive or negative reinforcements for both.
How many similarities actually do exist between the way we train students and train animals?
I don't know for sure but I would sure like to know because it seems like there has to be a lot.
The same base principles apply, do they not?
I believe so.
Thank you for the comment.