According to Skinner, our environment shapes our behavior and free will is a myth. According to behaviorism, a teacher's job is to steer students by using rewards and penalties to alter their behavior. This bolsters the notion of nurture, which holds that experience, rather than just genetics, is the source of learning. While intelligence tests can be useful in matching students with appropriate programs, they can also be unjust if they fail to take into consideration cultural differences or learning preferences.

Positive reinforcement, or rewarding good conduct, is a fundamental concept in behaviorism. For instance, students are more likely to complete their assignments again if they receive a sticker for doing so. This demonstrates how rewards can gradually change behavior.