How did behaviorism shape reading instruction?
Human beings portray different behavior characteristics in their relationship between different people. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior changes and various theories, like those of Menatalism and Psychoanalytic, discusses about human behavior traits. Between 1900 and 1950, behaviorism changed the reading instructions because learning occurred through natural unfolding of mind, and according to individual’s interest. In addition, readers developed skills and experience on understanding various behaviorism theories as explained by Freud (Tracey, 2007). Behaviourism was used as a medium of learning during this era, between 1900 and 1950. Instructors mostly used the famous theories in delivering their learning objectives to students. Moreover, these theories led into observable change in behaviour among learners and the society.
The use of behaviour change theories shaped reading instructions under two assumptions. First, the behaviour change teachers believed that behaviour change occurred due to individual’s response to stimuli. Teachers encouraged behaviour change in their readings through giving examples of scholars who have succeeded in life. In addition, readers always change their behaviours depending on the prevailing environmental situations. Second, behaviour change teachers assume external stimuli as the capability of reducing or strengthening individual’s behaviour. When people read the behaviourism theories, they change their behaviour when exposed to the external environment.
The theories give various instructions that shape the behaviour of readers, and change the reading instructions from those used before the 1900-1950 era. On the other hand, teachers use different motions in delivering their learning objectives. Before the introduction of behaviourism theories, teachers had a hard time instructing learners. For example, a teacher would use both physical and emotional means to deliver information. After the introduction of the behaviourism theories, teachers only use motions to give instructions. Readers and learners are able to associate various physical motions with the message delivered.
How did behaviorism shape reading research during that era?
On the area of reading research, behaviorism gives essential element that assist students progress in their studies. Programs created with behaviorism oriented ideas they provide excellent plans for teachers, who offer professional worksheet to their students. Students get a chance of developing constructive thinking, and making crucial decisions regarding life events. Behaviorism takes the form of following day-to-day rules and daily routines in schools and workplaces. During that era, behaviorism contributed as a lot in the reading research. Most researches focusing of behavior changes made use of the Classical Conditioning theory framework. The theory claimed that learners could retain memories by practically observing objects than by theoretically thinking about their existence (Tracey, 2007; 72-73).
According to Tracey (2007), behaviorism plays a significant role in building research among learners. From the actions and events described on the case describes a lot of cultural issues. First, behaviorism developed policies that encouraged learners’ participation in improving their research abilities. During the 59 years era, researcher developed various research skills associated with understanding the behavior change of the response team. The behaviorism theories explain people’s psychology, which researchers use while approaching their target groups.. Individuals uphold cultural beliefs since they illustrate theories, facts, and values that place them in a better position in a society.
The classical conditioning theory applies best in developing research skills among students. Through this theory, the researcher makes use of respondent retention rate over the past events. Reading the respondents mind makes the researcher gather a lot of information that assist in getting more research materials. Moreover, the learner’s literacy level improves enabling quality and perfect research development (Tracey, 2007; 74).
References
Tracey, D. (2007). Lenses on Reading: An Introduction to Theories and Models (2nd Edition), United States: Guilford Press
