Correct Answer:
C. Behaviorism
A teacher who believes that learning occurs through reinforcement and punishment aligns with the principles of Behaviorism. This psychological perspective, heavily influenced by theorists like B.F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov, and John B. Watson, asserts that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning from the environment. Behaviorists focus on observable behaviors and how they are shaped by consequences. Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring, while punishment decreases it. In a classroom, this means using rewards for desired actions and consequences for undesirable ones to shape student conduct and academic responses.
- Constructivism (A) is incorrect. This theory, associated with Piaget and Vygotsky, posits that learners actively build their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences and reflection, focusing on internal cognitive processes rather than external conditioning.
- Cognitivism (B) is incorrect. This approach focuses on internal mental processes such as memory, perception, problem-solving, and information processing. It views learning as an active process of acquiring, organizing, and using knowledge, which goes beyond simple stimulus-response.
- Humanism (D) is incorrect. Humanistic psychology, championed by Maslow and Rogers, emphasizes individual potential, self-actualization, free will, and intrinsic motivation. It prioritizes student choice and feelings, offering a stark contrast to the external control central to behaviorism.