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What is Learning?
There are many types of learning, and it is defined as “a process resulting in
relatively consistent change in behavior or behavioral potential and is based on
experience” according to George (2023 pg. 158). So, what does that mean? How do you
apply this to your day-to-day life? The goal in this essay is to cover different learning
styles, and what works best for in my opinion. I will also discuss an area of learning to
that you may want to limit, and why.
Types of Learning
I will be going over four types of learning, starting with behavioristic approaches.
In the behavioristic approach you have three subsets, classical conditioning, operant
conditioning, and schedules of reinforcement. Classical conditioning is a learned
behavior where the stimulus is controlled by repeated pairings. This behavior was first
reported by Edwin Twitmyer in 1902. In 1904 a Russian named Ivan Pavlov had the
same findings using dogs as his subjects. He found that the older dogs would associate
the food with the researcher, so when they saw the researcher, they would start to
salivate.
According to Skinner (1953, 1969, 1971, 1989) Operant conditioning describes
changes in the probability of response as a function of its consequences. This is behavior
changing response due to the reward. The law of effect now comes into play, so behavior
that is rewarded is more likely to continue than behavior that is not rewarded. Another
form of Operant conditioning is shaping, according to George (2023) “shaping is
reinforcing small sequential steps in a chain of behaviors leading to the desired final
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behavior.” This type of learning is successful in most areas today. It does not always
have to be a tangible item but can be a goal.
The Third type of learning is schedules of reinforcement. Schedules of
reinforcement like operant in the part that you received a reward for doing and what you
are asked to do. The difference between them is with schedules of reinforcement your
reward can vary. There are four ratios in the schedules of reinforcement process, they are
as follows: fixed, variable, fixed interval, and variable interval. Fixed is simple the ratio
does not change; with variable the changing number of responses are emitted. Fixed
interval is given a period to ensure something is being done and once it is completed a
reward is given. The last is variable interval you follow up on a variable time.
What it takes for me to Learn
The type of learning that I have chosen is schedules of reinforcement. I use this
with almost everything I do. Starting with an agenda at the beginning of the week and I
will make a plan with rewards throughout the week. I will do this with my meals, my
workout, homework, and even my job. Take my meals for example. I will count my
macros every day, tracking my fat intake, protein and calories, Monday through Friday
and my reward is I can eat what I want on the weekend. I use this same process with
learning. I will complete an assignment and have a reward at the end, maybe watch a
television show, or do something around the house, today it was going to the gym. I did
not accomplish the goal so now I cannot go until tomorrow. What this means to me is if
you don’t complete the task, you do not get rewarded.
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Why does this work for me?
When I was a young child, I was made to do chores like many other kids. On top
of my chores, I was also allowed to extra work around the house for money. This money
I was allowed to do as I wished (which at the time was play arcade games). I learned at
an early age that to do something that I wanted to need to work for it. This type of learned
behavior has translated over to my day-to-day life, and I also use it with my children. I
know if I want to have things in life, I need to work for them I then receive the reward.
Multitasking
The last area I would like to cover is the importance of knowing when to multitask
and when not. Multitasking according to George (2023) “occurs when two or more separate
tasks or mental operations are performed simultaneously.” So, why is this a bad thing you may
ask. The brain is strained and cannot complete one task due to the others; it just can’t keep up.
This is also known as cognitive overload, this “occurs when excessive demands are placed on
particular cognitive processes, especially attention and memory.” Not all multitasking is bad
though for example you must multitask when you are driving, writing, playing sports, and
working out. I have music playing when I write to keep my mind on track, this is something I
found after being diagnosed with ADHD. I will also have a paperclip in my hand when facilitating
a class to keep my focus on the task at hand.
