Chapter 5
Applications of Operant Conditioning
Instructional Objectives:
How do you use objectives in planning for and implementing instruction in your
classroom?
Programmed Instruction and Computer-Assisted Instruction:
What are some examples of behaviorist-based PI and CAI at your school?
What comments do you have about their effectiveness?
Mastery Learning:
Discuss the components of mastery learning on page 89. You should have
several “ah ha” experiences while doing so.
Applied Behavior Analysis:
Take turns in your group, allowing members to alternately discuss the
components of applied behavior analysis (8)
Have you implemented or tried to implement either group contingency plans or
token economies with your classes? Discuss either a) how it worked or b) why
you have not or would not try to.
Criticisms of Using Reinforcement in the Classroom
Briefly examine each Bogus Complaint and Genuine Concern and comment on
each, particularly if you have observed these in schools and classrooms.
When Operant Conditioning Techniques Are Most Appropriate
You see what the chapter says; now, based on your experience, what do you
think?
Chapter 6
Effects of Aversive Stimuli
Escape and Avoidance Learning
Give classroom examples of each of these.
How might you extinguish avoidance responses in your students?
Punishment
What is the practical difference between Punishment I and Punishment II?
Take turns making comments about each of the disadvantages of punishment
(7).
Now, discuss how punishment is used effectively, basing your response on your
own classroom or school experiences.
Using Punishment in Classroom Settings
Give examples of the use and effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the types of
classroom punishments:
 Time-out
 Response cost
 Verbal reprimand
 Restitution
 Overcorrection
Guidelines for Using Punishment Effectively
What types of punishments can you think of that you have used or might use that
meet the guidelines listed (11)? Discuss scenarios.
Learned Helplessness
Give examples that you have observed in your students or yourself.