Influence of Psychological Schools of Thought on Professional Behavior in Education

QUESTION

Examine how a major school for psychological thought informs professional behavior in a real-world setting.

Provide other School of Thought that influence development and using this knowledge of school of thought to guide the behavior of educators working with young children.

ANSWER

Influence of Psychological Schools of Thought on Professional Behavior in Education

Introduction

Psychological schools of thought have played a significant role in shaping the field of education, guiding educators’ behavior and practices. This essay explores how a major school of thought informs professional behavior in a real-world setting and highlights the impact of another school of thought on educators working with young children.

Major School of Thought: Behaviorism

Influence on Professional Behavior

Behaviorism, a major school of thought, emphasizes observable behaviors and learning through conditioning. In the context of education, behaviorism has informed professional behavior by emphasizing the role of rewards and punishments in shaping students’ behavior. Teachers apply behaviorist principles to create structured and predictable classroom environments that encourage positive behaviors. For instance, using a system of rewards such as stickers or praise for completing assignments on time reinforces desired behaviors.

Real-World Application

In a real-world setting, behaviorism guides educators to use techniques like positive reinforcement to promote desirable behaviors. Teachers employ strategies like token economies, where students earn rewards for meeting academic goals, to enhance student engagement and motivation. Behaviorism also underpins classroom management techniques that focus on establishing clear expectations, rules, and consequences to maintain a productive learning environment.

Alternative School of Thought: Constructivism

Influence on Educators Working with Young Children

Constructivism is another influential school of thought that emphasizes active participation in the learning process and the role of prior knowledge in shaping new understanding. This approach acknowledges the importance of individual experiences and perspectives in learning. Educators working with young children utilize constructivist principles to create environments that encourage exploration, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Application for Educators

Constructivism guides educators to provide hands-on learning experiences, encourage problem-solving, and foster collaborative learning. Teachers may implement activities that allow young children to explore and discover concepts on their own, encouraging independent thinking. Additionally, constructivist educators use open-ended questions to stimulate discussion and help children connect new knowledge to their existing understanding.

Synthesis of Both Schools of Thought

Integrating behaviorism and constructivism in education can yield a balanced approach. Educators can utilize behaviorist strategies to establish routines, manage classrooms effectively, and reinforce positive behaviors. Simultaneously, they can embrace constructivist principles to create engaging, student-centered learning environments that foster curiosity and critical thinking.

Conclusion

Psychological schools of thought, such as behaviorism and constructivism, significantly impact the behavior and practices of educators in real-world settings. By understanding the principles of these schools of thought, educators can create dynamic and effective learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of students, promoting both academic achievement and holistic development.