Question

A) How do you think classical conditioning might affect a child's (or an adult's) learning? What are some concrete examples of this? How might we as teachers use classical conditioning to help a child (or an adult) to learn? Again, offer concrete examples.

Answer 1

One very concrete example that we see in almost all children, and the results of which are seen in our day to day practices is an inadvertent consequence of classical conditioning. Potty training. When we are children we do not harbor the sense of right and wrong places to defecate. If it is a need, it is done. But, by the aid of either positive or negative reinforcement, the right habit is inculcated within the children, which helps them differ the right place from a wrong, that successfully initiates them into a given society. Of course, whether the parents employ tools of negative reinforcement: spanking; or employ tools of positive reinforcement like reinforcing the accepted and desired behavior by something to fortify it such as praise or subtle acknowledgement.

Classical conditioning is best for introducing learning as far as behavior modification is concerned. Classical conditioning in a class room setting can be used to give impetus to learning in a way wherein a system is created that gives some form of advantage to the highest scorers or students who have been able to grasp a concept well. For example the system of introducing extra credit, which would push students to map their potential, or for smaller children a box of stars or stickers to make them understand that rewards can be reaped by displaying and continuing the desired behavior. Reward systems of various natures are known to work best. Appraisals and incentives give impetus to desired behavior.