Choosing your theorist and theory

Much research and thought has been put into our school’s programs to meet the needs of many diverse learners. Throughout time, theorists have developed any theories that we, as educators, continue to use to this day. Thanks to their contributions, we have been provided with the best educational tools to cultivate young minds today. Every educator has their own opinion as to what theory they think is best. After reading various theories, there is one in particular that I truly believe to be the most beneficial which is The Behaviorism Theory. “Behaviorism theory, also known as behavioral psychology is a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning” (Cherry, 2011). B.F Skinner and John B. Watson are the two creators of the behaviorism theory. They stated that development included learned behaviors. These learned behaviors are based on positive and negative experiences within their everyday environments. Every action has a consequence. I think that’s a way to look at the way children learn over time. For example; when I was teaching at a different Children’s Center, there was a little girl who would cry nonstop till I or someone else picked her up. We believed that at her house, the minute she cried, someone would be there instantly to pick her up. She never learned how to self soothe and knew that crying would get her the attention she wanted. She learned this behavior at home and brought it to school with her, thinking it would also work there. She had never been taught that crying wasn’t a way to get what you want. It was our responsibility at school to break that habit. Instead, I would say directly to her, kneeling down to be on her level, “I will talk to you when you use your words and big girl voice to tell me what you want”. Over time, she learned that crying wasn’t getting her the attention she wanted. She decided to take the approach I offered her instead. This ultimately worked out the best for everyone