Behavioral Theory of motivation

1.     The behavioral theory of motivation is basically the theory of operant conditioning.

2.     This learning theory is all about reinforcing behaviors.  When a student performs a task or exhibits a behavior, giving them a positive consequence will increase the likelihood of them exhibiting that behavior again.  This is what the theory of motivation is all about.  When they think that peers approve of an action, then it creates high positive reinforcement because everyone likes to feel approval and acceptance.  Another big part of this theory is rewards.  Examples of rewards for positive actions are stickers, or candy, or no-homework passes.  The examples can go on forever, but they all give positive behavior reinforcement.  It helps with operant conditioning.  I think that this relates a lot to Vygotsky’s theory.  The students will first see and learn what behaviors are considered “good”.  This will be a learning time.  Then they will take what they hear, and make it a part of their own personal actions.  This is conditioning at its finest.

3.     In my future 5^th grade classroom, I can use this theory to encourage participation and good behavior in class.  To encourage participation, I will pass out candy to active listeners and people that can answer questions as well as ask good questions.  I don’t want to penalize for wrong answers, so I will still give out a reward for wrong answers.  I value the attempt and that the students will be making an effort.  I will also give out rewards for excellent behavior in class.  This will obviously include not acting out.  But behavior also includes being a positive encouragement to peers in class.  Negativity will not merit a good behavior reward of a free-homework pass.  These two motivations will be great in my future classroom.