Behavioristic Learning Theory

Behavioristic Learning Theory E.L. Thorndike and B.F. Skinner are two psychological figures who hold behavioristic views. This school views that human behavior is the result of the formation of environmental conditions. This principle is known as the principle of "operant conditioning" proposed by Skinner. Behavior is things that change and can be observed. Behavior is understood in relation to the events that preceded it. The main assumptions underlying behaviorism, according to M.I. Soelaeman; (1985; 335) are as follows: 1) Behavior is learned and formed by the associative bond between "stimulus and response (S-R), 2) Humans basically seek pleasure and avoid painful things, 3) Behavior is basically determined by the environment. According to behavioristic learning theory, there are three things that affect a person's learning process, namely: stimulus, response, and effect. Stimulus is a cue, which is something that comes from the environment that can evoke an individual response. Meanwhile, the result is something that happens after the individual responds, both positive and negative. The result that gives satisfaction is positive for the individual, and will strengthen further learning motivation, while the result that does not give satisfaction tends to be avoided. This principle is called "reinforcement". Learning outcomes are behaviors that can be observed (observed) and measured, which implies that the learning process of behaviorism emphasizes the importance of academic knowledge skills and social behavior as learning outcomes. The purpose of education according to behaviorism is oriented towards the development of competence, mastery of what is learned. The purpose of education is external, which is formulated and determined based on the influence of the environment, both socio-cultural and physical environment. Educational goals ignore the problems of students' personal lives, more oriented to goals outside students. Students are considered unnecessary to control their own learning. The role of the teacher in the learning process is to take the initiative and control the process. The teacher's tasks in this regard are as follows: 1) Identifying the learned behavior and formulating it in a specific formulation, 2) Identifying the expected behavior of the learning process. The forms of competence expected in the field of study, specifically described in small stages, mastery of skills through these stages as a goal to be achieved in the learning process. 3) Identify adequate reinforcers. Reinforcers can take the form of subject learning activities, attention and rewards, and activities that students choose, 4) Avoiding unwanted behavior by weakening the desired behavior pattern. There are two main things that are the implications of behaviorism theory, namely; 1) Behavior modification using specific ways and using a reward system (reinforcer). 2) Programmed teaching which refers to (a) a general way of planning and presenting teaching systems, (b) specific results, programmed texts, or slide film and television shows. One of the implications of behavioristic learning theory is the teaching machine model, computerized teaching, and modular teaching. The influence of behaviorism learning theory on education, as described by Redja Mudyahardjo (1989; 72) can be summarized as follows: 1) Individualization: Individualized treatment is based on tasks, rewards and discipline, 2) Motivation: Learning motivation is extrinsic through continuous habituation (can be reinforcement), 3) Methods: Learning methods are detailed to develop specific skills and knowledge and use educational technology, 4) Curricular objectives: Curricular objectives focus on academic knowledge and skills as well as social behavior, 5) Form of classroom management: Teacher-centered, while social relations are used as a way of communicating, not as a teaching objective, 6) Efforts to streamline the classroom: The teaching program is detailed and graded, and the learning process prioritizes mastery of the material, 7) Student participation: In general, students show passive behavior, 8) Student learning activities: Skill acquisition through gradual habituation, i.e. practicing step by step in detail, 9) General goals of education: Education aims to achieve the ability to do something or reach a certain level of competence. The behavioristic learning process shows a detailed step-by-step learning process and is described in a logical sequence of information to be presented. This principle implies that the curriculum is more about detailing what will be presented to students. Each general objective is broken down into more specific objectives. An area of study is broken down into subject matters, and sub-subject matters. Everything is linear with the specific objectives formulated first.