FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What approach focuses on the consequences of behaviors to influence student actions?

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

2. Operant conditioning

3. Constructivist learning

4. Transactional analysis

The correct answer is: Operant conditioning

The correct response highlights operant conditioning as an influential approach in education that centers on the consequences of behaviors to shape and modify student actions. This theory, developed by B.F. Skinner, posits that behavior is a function of its consequences, meaning that behaviors followed by positive outcomes (reinforcers) are likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by negative outcomes (punishers) are less likely to occur again. In a classroom setting, teachers can apply operant conditioning by using rewards for desired behaviors, such as praise, tokens, or privileges, which encourage students to repeat those behaviors. Conversely, implementing appropriate consequences for undesirable behaviors can discourage those actions. This method emphasizes the relationship between stimuli and responses, facilitating a structured environment for learners to adapt their behavior based on feedback. Other approaches mentioned do not primarily focus on the consequences of behaviors in the same way. Cognitive behavioral therapy centers on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to address emotional challenges, while constructivist learning emphasizes experiential learning and the construction of knowledge through social interactions. Transactional analysis explores communication and psychological states in relationships, rather than solely behavior modification. Therefore, operant conditioning distinctly stands out as the approach that directly connects consequences with student behavior.