Operational Conditioning is a learning process used to change behavior based on the consequences experienced. What is really interesting about this is that it can be applied anywhere like training your dog or teaching your child a lesson. For now I am going to just be focusing on how this can be used in school, specifically preschool and kindergarten; where kids are still shaping who they are and learning about life and how to interact with others. Teachers provide a reward like a gold star for good behavior or an academic achievement which reinforcers the student to continue the good behavior because now they know that behaving well earns them a prize. Praise alone can be seen as a reward which teaches kids to continue putting effort in their work.
I really enjoyed reading your post! You did a great job explaining how operant conditioning works, and I love how you focused on its use in early childhood education. It’s so true that this stage of life is a key time for shaping behavior, and using positive reinforcement like gold stars or praise can really make a lasting impact. It’s amazing how something as simple as a sticker or kind words can motivate kids and help them build positive habits that will stick with them as they grow.
ReplyDeleteYour point about using praise as a reward really stood out to me. Sometimes we underestimate the power of words, but they can be just as meaningful—if not more—than physical rewards. It’s clear that you have a strong understanding of how young children learn, and I can tell you really care about their development. This was such an uplifting and insightful post—thanks for sharing it!