Overview of Key Learning Styles
Classical Conditioning
Pavlov was the first to answer how a neutral stimulus could elicit the same response as an unconditioned reflex, which proceeds automatically, on an innate basis, and is independent of the individual’s previous experience. In other words, how a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus. Pavlov showed that the formation of a conditioned reflex is subject to several requirements: 1) the most important of them is proximity (coincidence in time of indifferent and unconditional stimuli, with some advance of the indifferent stimulus); 2) an equally important condition is repetition (repeated combination of indifferent and unconditional stimuli) (Beard, 2021).
The basic scheme of Pavlov’s conditioned reflex S ->R, where S – stimulus, R – behavior (Beard, 2021). From this diagram, we can see that the main way to control behaviour is to control the presentation of stimuli causing a specific reaction, by the external environment, and control over it. Organizing the environment in a certain way and developing conditioned reflexes allows humans to form specific behaviors.
Operant Conditioning
Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning is based on the simple fact that not all the actions of a living being are a reaction to a particular combination of external stimuli. Quite often (according to Skinner, in most cases), behavior looks as if visible stimuli do not precede it. In Skinner’s famous experiments, a lab rat was placed in an empty box with a pedal inside and given complete freedom of action (Wahome, 2022).
During his chaotic box exploration, the rat inevitably touched the pedal and received a portion of food. After several occasional presses on the pedal, the rat developed a new behavior unrelated to previous stimuli. When hungry, the rat purposefully followed the pedal and, having pressed it, received the desired food.
Observational Learning
Observational learning occurs when a person watches another person behave and then copies it. Although it is frequently observed in animals, this type of learning also occurs frequently in people. It is a form of social learning that necessitates the existence of a model for the learner to follow, be it real or metaphorical (Kang et al., 2021).
There are four steps in the process of observational learning. Priority is given to the observed model, followed by the retention of the observed behavior. Finally, the fourth step involves the person rewarding the behavior through practice or prizes. The third stage involves the person imitating the behavior they have watched.
Personal Reflection on Learning Styles
For me, observational learning has been a great learning strategy since it has allowed me to rely on the experiences and actions of others to create my judgments and conclusions. This type of learning has allowed me to see how particular behaviors might result in specific results, helping me to make more informed judgments in the future. I recall my parents adopting this strategy to teach me moral lessons as a youngster.
For example, when I was misbehaving, they frequently cited another family member or acquaintance as a model for good behavior. This helped me to see how their behaviors resulted in beneficial consequences, allowing me to make better judgments. This has helped me to be a more responsible and lawful individual.
Classical and operand conditioning, on the other hand, are less helpful in teaching me critical skills or values. In my opinion, many learning approaches rely far too heavily on the reinforcement of certain actions, such as incentives or penalties, to create the intended outcome. While these strategies can be useful for teaching fundamental abilities, they are frequently ineffective for teaching sophisticated skills or values.
For example, when I was younger, my parents attempted to teach me fundamental math abilities using classical conditioning. This strategy, however, did not offer me a more in-depth comprehension of the principles, and I rapidly lost interest in the topic. On the other hand, by observing how others addressed challenges, I was able to obtain a greater comprehension of the principles and build a deeper interest in the subject.
References
Beard, T. (2021). What Is Classical Conditioning? WebMD. Web.
Kang, W., Pineda Hernández, S., & Mei, J. (2021). Neural mechanisms of observational learning: A neural working model. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14. Web.
Wahome, C. (2022). What Is Operant Conditioning? WebMD. Web.