One key concept in behaviorism is operant conditioning, introduced by B.F. Skinner. This idea means that people learn behaviors through the consequences that follow their actions. If a behavior is rewarded, the person is more likely to do it again in the future. If the behavior is punished or ignored, the person may stop doing it.

This shows that learning does not always come from thinking or understanding, but also from the results of our actions. In the classroom, teachers often use operant conditioning to manage behavior and encourage learning. For example, if a student answers a question correctly, the teacher may give praise, a sticker, or extra points.

This positive reinforcement motivates the student to participate again. On the other hand, if a student interrupts the class, the teacher may remove a privilege or give a warning, which acts as a consequence. While this method is helpful for shaping classroom behavior, teachers must also be careful. Too much focus on rewards can make students rely only on external motivation, instead of building a true love for learning.

Reference: Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: Macmillan.