Comparing Theories
Behaviorism | Humanism | Learning
Behaviorism and Humanism are two theories on how to best facilitate learning and reinforce behaviors. While each approach has shown its advantages in specific areas, when it comes to managing a class' learning, teachers are likely to use a combination of the two depending on the subject, lesson, or student(s).
Behaviorism techniques are most useful when teaching concrete topics, such as math, where the ideas and procedures are specifically laid out and relatively straightforward; Humanism will lend itself to more abstract subjects, such as literature analysis, where students are encouraged to develop their own ideas about the material based on their impressions and viewpoints.
Behaviorism techniques are most useful when teaching concrete topics, such as math, where the ideas and procedures are specifically laid out and relatively straightforward; Humanism will lend itself to more abstract subjects, such as literature analysis, where students are encouraged to develop their own ideas about the material based on their impressions and viewpoints.
(1) Huberty, Tom, and Tom Kramlinger. "Behaviorism versus Humanism." Training & Development Journal 44.12 (Dec. 1990): 41. Text.
(2) Diagram created with lucidchart.com
(2) Diagram created with lucidchart.com