Question

Identify the assumptions of the Behaviourist approach in teaching physical science:

1. Learning is a change in observable behaviour
2. Reinforcement strengthens learning
3. Emotions are the central focus of learning
4. Learning occurs mainly through cognitive restructuring

• A. All
• B. 2 only
• C. 4 only
• D. 1, 2

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 1, 2

• Behaviorists define learning strictly as a measurable change in how an organism acts. If there is no visible change in performance (e.g., a student correctly balancing a chemical equation), a behaviorist would argue that learning has not yet occurred. • This is the core of "Operant Conditioning." Positive reinforcement (rewards/praise) or negative reinforcement (removal of a stimulus) is used to increase the likelihood that a desired behavior will be repeated. • This is an assumption of Cognitivism or Constructivism (like Piaget). These theories focus on internal mental maps and how we reorganize information in our heads. Behaviorists ignore these internal "restructurings." • This aligns more with Humanistic or Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) approaches. Behaviorists view emotions as subjective and unobservable, therefore they are not the primary focus of their teaching methods.