Health Education
Health Education
Health Education
Behaviorist
Learning Theories related to Health Care Practice
John B. Watson- proponent of behaviorist theory,
Learning is a permanent change in mental emphasized the importance of observable behavior in
processing, emotional functioning, skill and behavior as the study of human beings.
a result of exposure to different experiences.
- Defined behavior as muscle-movement;
It is the lifelong, dynamic process by which associated with Stimulus-Response psychology
individuals acquire new knowledge or skills or alter - View learning as the result of stimulus
their thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and actions, or predict conditions (S) in the environment and the
how people learn. learner’s responses (R) that follow.
Behaviorists closely observe responses to a
Learning theory is a coherent framework of integrated
situation and then manipulate the environment
constructs and principles that describe, explain, or
in a way to bring about the intended change.
predict how people learn, how learning occurs and what
motivates people to learn and change.
B. Operant Conditioning
Ways of Employing Positive Reinforcement
b. Systematic desensitization- a technique based 1. Verbal ways
on respondent conditioning that is used by - Saying phrases like, “good”, “well-done” when
psychologists to reduce fear and anxiety in their students respond
clients. - Statements like, “that was a well-expressed
- Based on the principle that repeated and gradual opinion”, or “I like the way you answered..”
exposure to fear-inducing stimulus under - Gives recognition to the student
relaxed and nonthreatening circumstances will 2. Non-verbal ways:
give the patient that sense of security that no - Nodding
harm will come so that he or she no longer fears - Smiling
the stimulus. - Looking pleased
Stimulus generalization- the tendency of - Writing student’s comments on the board
initial learning experiences to be easily applied - Giving the “thumb’s-up” sign
to other similar stimuli. 3. Citing in class or publishing on the bulletin
Spontaneous recovery- a useful respondent board exceptional works or outputs
conditioning concept that needs careful
consideration in relapse prevention programs.
c. Operant Conditioning – (B.F. Skinner)
Classification of Educational Reinforcers:
- Focuses on the behavior of the organism and
the reinforcement that occurs. 1. Recognition
- We learn best when out actions are reinforced. a. Praise, certification of accomplishments
- Positive and negative reinforcement b. Formal acknowledgements- private
Reinforcer- a stimulus or event applied after a conversations, pat on the back
response 2. Tangible rewards- grades, food (free lunch),
prizes
To increase the probability of a response: 3. Learning activities- opportunity for desirable
A behavior is strengthened or weakened in response enrichment assignment (membership in
to positive or negative consequences. “honors” class; more difficult clinical
assignment)
4. School responsibilities Cognitive
a. Opportunities for increased self-
Cognitive learning theory - the key learning and
management and more participation in
changing is the individual’s cognition (perception,
decision-making
thinking, memory and ways of processing and
b. Acceptance of suggestions for improving
structuring information)
the curriculum
c. Greater opportunity for selecting own goals It involves perceiving the information, interpreting it
for learning experiences based on what is already known, and then reorganizing
d. Greater opportunity to control own the information into new insights or understanding.
schedule and set own priorities
5. Status indicators- appointment as a peer tutor It involves intelligence which is the ability to solve
or having own space (study corner, desk) problems.
6. Incentive feedback- increased knowledge of Focus on the internal learner environment (what goes
examination scores or knowledge of on inside the learner) and the mental structures of
individuals contributions (helping others) thinking.
7. Personal activities- opportunity to engage in
special projects and extra time off
Negative reinforcement is tantamount or synonymous Metacognition- the learner’s understanding of her way
to punishment, that leads to a reduction in the frequency to learning. It also refers to the processes used to plan,
of the behavior. monitor and assess one understanding and performance.
Main Premises of Behavioral Learning Theories Main Premise of Cognition Learning Theories
All behavior is learned; it can be shaped and rewarded Information processing is an important aspect of
to achieve appropriate and desired ends. cognitive learning. In this theory, memory is viewed as
a complex organized system in which information is
processes through:
Implications to Nursing Education 3 components of the memory system:
1. The organization of instruction is directed by 1. Sensory register
behavioral objectives and learning outcomes 2. Short-term memory
that can be specified, and behavior can be 3. Long-term memory
observed and measured
2. Faculty facilitate the learning environment by
designing the learning experience (e.g.,
Main Premises of Cognitive Learning Theories:
simulations, skills demonstrations) and offer
positive reinforcement through ongoing Cognitive theories define learning as an active,
feedback cumulative, constructive process that is goal oriented
3. Students use the behavioral objectives or and dependent on the learner’s mental activities.
competency statements as a guide for what is to
be learned. Learning is processing information; it is experiential
Students work to achieve and demonstrate the and formed by a person’s experience of the
behavior and plan the time needed to practice as consequences.
much as necessary to attain the desired
behavior.
Student motivation for achievement is obtained Cognitive learning theory includes several well-
from the tangible rewards that reinforce the known conceptual and theoretical perspectives, such as
desired behavior.
1. Gestalt
4. Praise may assist in the transfer of learning
2. Information processing
from one area to another.
3. Cognitive development
5. Learning under control of reward is usually
4. Social constructivism
preferable to learning under the control of
5. Social cognition
punishment.
1. Gestalt perspective emphasize the importance Information-processing Model Memory
of perception in learning. It reflects the maxim,
the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Each person perceives and responds to any
situation in his or her own way.
Principles
A. Each person perceives, interprets, and
responds to any situation in his/her own
way.
B. It is directed toward simplicity, equilibrium
and regularity. In general, cognitive psychologists note that memory
C. Perception is selective. processing and the retrieval of information are enhanced
by organizing that information and making meaningful.