In understanding the behavior of different people in a learning environment, it is important to understand the principles of learning. In grammar school and high school, for instance, he same students always seem to be punished while, at the same time, same students seem to be rewarded. The process of learning entails various stages and processes that give an individual n opportunity to improve their behavior. To some extent, personal behavior and genetics plays a role in influencing the intelligence of a student (Powell et al. 18). The learning process ought to be designed in such a way so as to cater for all students so as to overcome mental deficiencies and spur a reduction of mental deterioration that often accompanies senility. It is important to understand acquisition of behavior in the learning environment and the various learning principles that shape individual behavior. The fact that learning is the only tool through which all behaviors are shaped means it should be given enough consideration so as to promote good behavior in the society.
Although learning is universally agreed to be beneficial to the learners, there is no universal definition of this term that theorists agree on. More or less, most theorists agree that it involves permanent changes in the behavior of an individual as a result of practice. This is evident in the performance of students in schools. The attitude that one develops on the learning process and exercise plays a major role in defining the behavior of an individual the society/learning institution. Apparently, school systems have devised mechanisms through which they reward hard-working students while at the same time punishing those that do not work hard.
The psychology of an organism determines the attitude they will develop towards a given issue. In the school example, certain students may develop a negative attitude towards learning. With such a negative attitude, they do not see any essence of working hard or improving their performance (Powell et al. 28). This has a psychological effect of affecting their functionality and their performance, making it difficult for them to change their attitudes. Because of the resistance to change, teachers often resolve to punishment as the only way to correct their behavior. Students with a positive attitude, on the other hand, understand the necessity of working hard and improving their performance. The motivation they receive from teachers also influences them, encouraging them to work hard. In the book Introduction to learning behavior’, Russell, Lynne & Diane give the principles that shape performance in schools and behavior. These principles of learning are essential in understanding the attitudes that the students develop in the learning environment, shaping them differently.
The above argument is based on the principles of learning that are discussed in the book. The first principle discussed is functionalism. His principle deals with studying the adaptive nature of the mind. This principle assumes that a person’s mind helps them to adapt to the surrounding world. It is, therefore, essential that while teaching, the teacher should focus on this principle. Because different people have different minds, the attitude they develop towards the learning process is different. This principle is essential in explaining the above situation.
The second principle of learning that the authors discuss is behaviorism. According o this theory, behavior is shaped by the thing that one is subjected to in a constant manner. Because of this, students who are used to performing well and rewarded will always aim high so as to be rewarded. This is in great contrast to those that are used to failing. In one way or the other, these two principles help explain the above argument.
Works Cited
Powell, Russell A., and Diane G. Symbaluk. Introduction to Learning and Behavior. 3rd ed. Belmont , Calif.: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.
