Why we behave the way we behave
From elementary to high school days, my mother would buy me stuff that I requested every time I got high grades. For example, she would buy me shoes of a certain brand when I ranked as an honor student. In high school, she would even buy me an airplane ticket because I earned such a reward. Behavioral perspective is all about rewards and punishments—external objects that are called “reinforcers.” Rewards and punishments reinforce a certain behavior that we desire to have. For instances, parents reward their children to keep up with good academic grades. Teachers punish students with low grades to reinforce change in their “lazy study habits.” I get to watch a good film after reading long study materials as a self-reward.
Do you remember some rewards you have received for doing “a great job?” Awards, recognition, medals, gifts—such things are rewards for being or doing “great.” Being grounded, not receiving an award, being given with so much household chores—such are punishments for “not behaving well” or for not doing “great.” Some learners tend to simply perform while they forget the purpose of learning just to avoid punishment. Some crave for rewards while they neglect genuine joy during the learning process. Motivation under a behavioral perspective is external, can be positive or negative, and can be adjusted depending on the learner.
However, this kind of a motivation is only surface deep. People who have depended on external reinforcements have these in mind: “I will be like this or like that after I do this.” “I will achieve this if I get to survive the challenges.” “I can have what I want after this.” “I don’t want to suffer so I will do this.” –such reasoning are under the behavioral perspective. Remember, surface deep motivation does not last. Perhaps, this is why on some days, we lose energy to keep on keeping up.
Better Teachers 