Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates
Issuance of badges in school: an application of operant conditioning
According to operant conditioning, behaviours are shaped by the consequences of their actions, with reinforcement and punishment playing critical roles in this process. This concept has applications in the educational system.
The practice of providing badges to students who display desirable behaviour is an excellent example of positive reinforcement. For example, if a student obtains the top grades among their peers, they may be awarded a badge of academic distinction. This honour motivates the student to continue working hard in order to receive such honours in the future. As a result, the pleasant stimulation of getting a badge encourages behaviours such as dedication and time management, promoting repetition and reinforcement.
Hi! That's an interesting take, Maria!
Following on what you shared, is there a risk that basing a positive reinforcement as a consequence of expected behavior (for example, giving a badge if the homework is done) can lead to the risk that the kid in development years (from kindergarten to elementary school) starts associating “success/self-worth” with a positive external response? Maybe a way around it should be that teachers should make it possible for kids and learners to detach this association by transitioning to a reward system in which an encouraged behavior is supported without an external act.
That's a great point Alessia! It's definitely possible that the badge system could have unwanted consequences like equating external validation with self-worth and increasing competition between peers. I was finding it difficult to come up with a reward system that is able to circumvent this issue as receiving a reward for good behaviour from someone else seems inherently related to an external act.
The example also made me question what we are rewarding - it may be helpful to reward processes rather than outcome to encourage a growth mindset. For example, we could reward making an effort to complete your homework rather than getting the best grades.
Issuance of badges in school: an application of operant conditioning
According to operant conditioning, behaviours are shaped by the consequences of their actions, with reinforcement and punishment playing critical roles in this process. This concept has applications in the educational system.
The practice of providing badges to students who display desirable behaviour is an excellent example of positive reinforcement. For example, if a student obtains the top grades among their peers, they may be awarded a badge of academic distinction. This honour motivates the student to continue working hard in order to receive such honours in the future. As a result, the pleasant stimulation of getting a badge encourages behaviours such as dedication and time management, promoting repetition and reinforcement.
Scheduled Reinforcement, Learning & Digital Addiction
I was intrigued by the idea Skinner presented about gambling and the conditioning of the mind by using scheduled reinforcement. Addiction is a reality in both adults and children, especially with the wide use of electronic devices
Issuance of badges in school: an application of operant conditioning
According to operant conditioning, behaviours are shaped by the consequences of their actions, with reinforcement and punishment playing critical roles in this process. This concept has applications in the educational system.
The practice of providing badges to students who display desirable behaviour is an excellent example of positive reinforcement. For example, if a student obtains the top grades among their peers, they may be awarded a badge of academic distinction. This honour motivates the student to continue working hard in order to receive such honours in the future. As a result, the pleasant stimulation of getting a badge encourages behaviours such as dedication and time management, promoting repetition and reinforcement.
Skinner's comment about Free will posited that the concept of free-will is an illusion. Skinner was a radical Behaviourist who believes that all human actions was a direct result of previous actions. This assertion is to a reasonable extent, supported by me in the sense that some people will not do certain things unless there is a reward or sanction. Some students do their homework just because it forms part of their requirements and the and the consequences of non-compliance.nice