What is Behaviorist Philosophy

This philosophy emphasizes such concepts as control behavioral modification, learning through reinforcement, and management by objectives. The philosophy was advanced by such theorists such as Edward Thorndike, Ivan Pavlov, James Watson and B. F. Skinner. Skinner was the most prominent behaviorist. This philosophy has led to the creation of programmed learning, behavioral objectives, and performance-based educational programs. Behaviorist principles are predominant in industrial and corporate training programs. In education, the roles of teacher and learner are defined in the behaviorist framework. The ultimate goal of education is to bring about behavior that will ensure survival of the human species, societies and individuals. Student learning outcomes, according to behaviorist philosophies, must be measured objectively and precisely, thus revealing how much progress has been made on the part of the learner. Evaluation based on behavioral objectives eliminates subjective, capricious estimates of student performance.

Curriculum Development for Adult Learners in Career and Technical Education

Viktor Wang (California State University, Long Beach, USA)